VTI vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTI returned 15.16%/yr vs 12.80%/yr for SCHD. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VTI charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

VTI vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTI achieves a 10.82% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 19.60% return. Over the past 10 years, VTI has outperformed SCHD with an annualized return of 15.16%, while SCHD has yielded a comparatively lower 12.80% annualized return.

VTI

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 2.10%
• YTD: 10.82%
• 6M: 11.43%
• 1Y: 26.40%
• 3Y*: 20.71%
• 5Y*: 12.61%
• 10Y*: 15.16%

SCHD

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 2.55%
• YTD: 19.60%
• 6M: 19.42%
• 1Y: 25.51%
• 3Y*: 14.16%
• 5Y*: 9.13%
• 10Y*: 12.80%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

VTI vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	10.82%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	19.60%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between VTI and SCHD is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2011	0.82

Over the past year, the correlation between VTI and SCHD has dropped to 0.39 - well below their long-term average of 0.82, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VTI vs. SCHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTI	SCHD
Technology	33.3%	19.4%
Financial Services	11.9%	9.1%
Communication Services	10.1%	6.0%
Consumer Cyclical	9.8%	6.7%
Industrials	9.5%	7.4%
Healthcare	9.1%	18.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	18.5%
Energy	3.8%	14.6%
Utilities	2.7%	0.0%
Real Estate	2.4%	-
Basic Materials	2.0%	1.2%

Return for Risk

VTI vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 66
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 73

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 80
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 74
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

VTI vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and Schwab U.S. 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	VTI	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	2.34	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	3.63	-0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.42	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	5.55	-2.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.35	13.67	-0.32

VTI vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTI Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is comparable to the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTI and SCHD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VTI vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTI drawdown since its inception was -55.45%, which is greater than SCHD's maximum drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTI and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTI	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.45%	-33.37%	-22.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-4.61%	-4.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.30%	-16.13%	-3.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-16.85%	-8.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.00%	-33.37%	-1.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.07%	-0.91%	-0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.02%	-3.31%	-4.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	1.88%	+0.11%

Volatility

VTI vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) has a higher volatility of 4.58% compared to Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) at 3.15%. This indicates that VTI'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.

Volatility by Period

	VTI	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.58%	3.15%	+1.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.89%	7.57%	+2.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.69%	10.93%	+1.76%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.49%	14.39%	+3.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.34%	16.72%	+1.62%

VTI vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTI has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTI vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than SCHD's 3.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.25%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.02%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VTI and SCHD in my portfolio?

VTI and SCHD have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTI or SCHD?

VTI has higher volatility (4.58%) compared to SCHD (3.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTI dropped -55.45% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, VTI or SCHD?

On 10-year performance, VTI leads with 15.16% vs 12.80% for SCHD. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SCHD has been the lower-risk option at 3.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTI or SCHD?

Over the 10-year period, VTI has performed better with a 15.16% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTI or SCHD?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for SCHD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VTI or SCHD?

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.25%, compared with 1.02% for VTI.

What is the main difference between VTI and SCHD?

VTI is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while SCHD is Dividend. VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index, while SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTI and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 2.10), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.