VUS vs. SCHX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VUS (Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF) and SCHX (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. VUS is actively managed, while SCHX is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VUS charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SCHX.

Performance

VUS vs. SCHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VUS achieves a 19.93% return, which is significantly higher than SCHX's 10.72% return.

VUS

• 1D: -0.58%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 19.93%
• 6M: 20.90%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCHX

• 1D: -0.70%
• 1M: 5.06%
• YTD: 10.72%
• 6M: 10.60%
• 1Y: 27.36%
• 3Y*: 22.38%
• 5Y*: 13.29%
• 10Y*: 15.41%

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

VUS vs. SCHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	19.93%	0.81%
SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF	10.72%	-0.11%

Correlation

The correlation between VUS and SCHX is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2025	0.92

VUS vs. SCHX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VUS	SCHX
Technology	34.7%	37.5%
Industrials	11.5%	8.5%
Real Estate	10.4%	2.0%
Financial Services	9.5%	9.9%
Healthcare	8.3%	8.4%
Energy	6.0%	3.4%
Communication Services	5.3%	10.3%
Consumer Cyclical	5.2%	9.7%
Utilities	3.3%	2.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.2%	4.5%
Basic Materials	2.7%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VUS vs. SCHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHX

SCHX Risk / Return Rank: 67
SCHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
SCHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
SCHX Omega Ratio Rank: 67
SCHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
SCHX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

VUS vs. SCHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF (VUS) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VUS	SCHX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.29	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.85	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	3.23	0.85	+2.38

Drawdowns

VUS vs. SCHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VUS drawdown since its inception was -9.45%, smaller than the maximum SCHX drawdown of -34.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VUS and SCHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VUS	SCHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.45%	-34.33%	+24.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.02%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.04%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.41%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.58%	-0.70%	+0.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.46%	-3.97%	+2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.98%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VUS	SCHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.91%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.63%	11.99%	+2.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.63%	17.12%	-2.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.63%	18.15%	-3.52%

VUS vs. SCHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VUS has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHX's 0.03% 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%.

Dividends

VUS vs. SCHX - Dividend Comparison

VUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.73%, less than SCHX's 1.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF	1.01%	1.09%	1.22%	1.39%	1.64%	1.22%	1.64%	1.82%	2.02%	1.70%	1.92%	2.04%
VUS Virtus U.S. Dividend ETF	0.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VUS and SCHX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, VUS 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 ETF is better, VUS or SCHX?

On fees, SCHX is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VUS or SCHX?

SCHX is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for VUS.

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

SCHX has the higher dividend yield at 1.01%, compared with 0.73% for VUS.

What is the main difference between VUS and SCHX?

They also come from different issuers: Virtus and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VUS and 0.03% for SCHX.