VYM vs. SCHY

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) and SCHY (Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF) are both Dividend funds - VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index while SCHY tracks the Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VYM returned 11.33%/yr vs 7.76%/yr for SCHY. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VYM charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for SCHY.

Performance

VYM vs. SCHY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VYM achieves a 10.82% return, which is significantly higher than SCHY's 7.47% return.

VYM

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 1.71%
• YTD: 10.82%
• 6M: 10.58%
• 1Y: 24.30%
• 3Y*: 17.89%
• 5Y*: 11.33%
• 10Y*: 11.70%

SCHY

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: -0.99%
• YTD: 7.47%
• 6M: 10.12%
• 1Y: 21.14%
• 3Y*: 14.84%
• 5Y*: 7.76%
• 10Y*: —

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

VYM vs. SCHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	10.82%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	9.95%
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	7.47%	33.98%	-1.79%	14.27%	-9.43%	4.08%

Correlation

The correlation between VYM and SCHY is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 30, 2021	0.68

The correlation between VYM and SCHY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

VYM vs. SCHY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYM	SCHY
Financial Services	20.5%	15.8%
Technology	17.7%	3.8%
Healthcare	12.2%	4.0%
Industrials	12.1%	13.8%
Energy	9.8%	10.3%
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	14.8%
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	7.9%
Utilities	5.7%	7.4%
Communication Services	3.5%	15.8%
Basic Materials	3.5%	5.7%
Real Estate	0.0%	0.9%

Return for Risk

VYM vs. SCHY — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 80
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 78

SCHY

SCHY Risk / Return Rank: 54
SCHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
SCHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
SCHY Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SCHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SCHY Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

VYM vs. SCHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY). 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.

	VYM	SCHY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.36	1.78	+0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.36	2.44	+0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.31	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.65	2.33	+1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.64	7.31	+6.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VYM vs. SCHY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYM Sharpe Ratio is 2.36, which is higher than the SCHY Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYM and SCHY, 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

	VYM	SCHY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.36	1.78	+0.58
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.81	0.59	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.50	0.65	-0.15

Drawdowns

VYM vs. SCHY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYM drawdown since its inception was -56.98%, which is greater than SCHY's maximum drawdown of -24.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYM and SCHY.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYM	SCHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.98%	-24.04%	-32.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.69%	-9.11%	+2.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.46%	-12.16%	-2.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.84%	-24.04%	+8.20%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	-5.55%	+3.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.19%	-4.97%	-2.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.79%	2.90%	-1.11%

Volatility

VYM vs. SCHY - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) have volatilities of 2.82% and 2.83%, 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

	VYM	SCHY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.82%	2.83%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.73%	9.86%	-2.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.35%	11.96%	-1.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.98%	13.26%	+0.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.35%	13.23%	+3.12%

VYM vs. SCHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYM has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than SCHY's 0.08% 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

VYM vs. SCHY - Dividend Comparison

VYM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.22%, less than SCHY's 3.45% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	3.45%	3.55%	4.64%	3.97%	3.67%	1.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.22%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VYM and SCHY in my portfolio?

VYM and SCHY have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VYM or SCHY?

SCHY has higher volatility (2.83%) compared to VYM (2.82%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYM dropped -56.98% vs SCHY's -24.04%.

Which ETF is better, VYM or SCHY?

On 5-year performance, VYM leads with 11.33% vs 7.76% for SCHY. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. 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, VYM or SCHY?

Over the 5-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.33% return vs 7.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYM or SCHY?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for SCHY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VYM or SCHY?

SCHY has the higher dividend yield at 3.45%, compared with 2.22% for VYM.

What is the main difference between VYM and SCHY?

VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, while SCHY tracks Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VYM and 0.08% for SCHY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 1.78), 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.