VTI vs. SCHX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) and SCHX (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds - VTI tracks the CRSP US Total Market Index while SCHX tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Total Stock Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTI returned 15.04%/yr vs 15.41%/yr for SCHX. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VTI vs. SCHX - 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. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VTI having a 11.72% return and SCHX slightly lower at 11.20%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VTI having a 15.04% annualized return and SCHX not far ahead at 15.41%.

VTI

• 1D: 0.47%
• 1M: 4.59%
• YTD: 11.72%
• 6M: 11.43%
• 1Y: 28.79%
• 3Y*: 22.37%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 15.04%

SCHX

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 4.70%
• YTD: 11.20%
• 6M: 10.96%
• 1Y: 27.92%
• 3Y*: 22.63%
• 5Y*: 13.39%
• 10Y*: 15.41%

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

VTI vs. SCHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	11.72%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%
SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF	11.20%	17.46%	24.88%	26.84%	-19.41%	26.81%	20.81%	31.22%	-4.66%	21.95%

Correlation

The correlation between VTI and SCHX is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 4, 2009	0.99

The correlation between VTI and SCHX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTI vs. SCHX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTI	SCHX
Technology	33.5%	37.5%
Financial Services	12.0%	9.9%
Communication Services	10.3%	10.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	9.7%
Industrials	9.8%	8.5%
Healthcare	9.2%	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	4.5%
Energy	3.7%	3.4%
Real Estate	2.4%	2.0%
Utilities	2.3%	2.6%
Basic Materials	2.0%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VTI vs. SCHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 73
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 73
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 78

SCHX

SCHX Risk / Return Rank: 71
SCHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
SCHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
SCHX Omega Ratio Rank: 72
SCHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
SCHX 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. SCHX - 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. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX). 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.

	VTI	SCHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.38	2.34	+0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.24	3.19	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.42	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.24	3.11	+0.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.94	14.13	+0.81
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTI vs. SCHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTI Sharpe Ratio is 2.38, which is comparable to the SCHX Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTI and SCHX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VTI	SCHX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.38	2.34	+0.04
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74	0.79	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82	0.85	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.51	0.85	-0.34

Drawdowns

VTI vs. SCHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTI drawdown since its inception was -55.45%, which is greater than SCHX's maximum drawdown of -34.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTI and SCHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTI	SCHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.45%	-34.33%	-21.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-9.02%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.30%	-19.04%	-0.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-25.41%	+0.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.00%	-34.33%	-0.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.26%	-0.27%	+0.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.03%	-3.97%	-4.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	1.98%	-0.05%

Volatility

VTI vs. SCHX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX) have volatilities of 2.90% and 2.86%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTI	SCHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.90%	2.86%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.13%	9.03%	+0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.17%	11.98%	+0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.40%	17.12%	+0.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.30%	18.14%	+0.16%

VTI vs. SCHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VTI and SCHX have an expense ratio of 0.03%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTI vs. SCHX - Dividend Comparison

VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.01%, which matches SCHX's 1.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF	1.00%	1.09%	1.22%	1.39%	1.64%	1.22%	1.64%	1.82%	2.02%	1.70%	1.92%	2.04%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.01%	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 SCHX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VTI and SCHX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VTI or SCHX?

VTI has higher volatility (2.90%) compared to SCHX (2.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTI dropped -55.45% vs SCHX's -34.33%.

Which ETF is better, VTI or SCHX?

On 10-year performance, SCHX leads with 15.41% vs 15.04% for VTI. Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTI or SCHX?

Over the 10-year period, SCHX has performed better with a 15.41% return vs 15.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTI or SCHX?

VTI and SCHX have the same expense ratio: 0.03% per year.

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

VTI and SCHX have nearly identical dividend yields, around 1.01%.

What is the main difference between VTI and SCHX?

VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index, while SCHX tracks Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Total Stock Market Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Charles Schwab.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 2.34), 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.