VPU vs. SCHD
Compare and contrast key facts about Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD).
VPU and SCHD are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. VPU is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. It was launched on Jan 26, 2004. SCHD is a passively managed fund by Charles Schwab that tracks the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. It was launched on Oct 20, 2011. Both VPU and SCHD are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: VPU or SCHD.
Key characteristics
| VPU | SCHD | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 5.54% | 2.57% |
| 1Y Return | -0.91% | 11.85% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 3.21% | 4.72% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 5.37% | 11.37% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 7.78% | 11.02% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.01 | 1.12 |
| Daily Std Dev | 16.96% | 11.58% |
| Max Drawdown | -46.31% | -33.37% |
| Current Drawdown | -10.13% | -3.91% |
Correlation
The correlation between VPU and SCHD is 0.52, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.
Performance
VPU vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, VPU achieves a 5.54% return, which is significantly higher than SCHD's 2.57% return. Over the past 10 years, VPU has underperformed SCHD with an annualized return of 7.78%, while SCHD has yielded a comparatively higher 11.02% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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VPU vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison
VPU has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
VPU vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
Dividends
VPU vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison
VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.30%, less than SCHD's 3.45% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF | 3.30% | 3.49% | 2.98% | 2.70% | 3.17% | 2.83% | 3.23% | 3.18% | 3.19% | 3.63% | 3.02% | 3.76% |
SCHD Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF | 3.45% | 3.49% | 3.39% | 2.78% | 3.16% | 2.98% | 3.06% | 2.63% | 2.89% | 2.97% | 2.63% | 2.47% |
Drawdowns
VPU vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, which is greater than SCHD's maximum drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and SCHD. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
VPU vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison
Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a higher volatility of 4.39% compared to Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) at 3.40%. This indicates that VPU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.