SCHD vs VYM: which ETF is right for you?
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYM) compared on cost, size, returns, holdings and sector mix.
SCHD has a 0.02% higher expense ratio than VYM
SCHD charges an expense ratio of 0.06%, while VYM charges 0.04%. This difference can affect long-term returns. Both ETFs focus on large value stocks but have different yields and top holdings.
- SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06%, VYM has 0.04%
- SCHD's assets are $121.09 billion, VYM's are $100.14 billion
- SCHD's yield is 2.95%, VYM's yield is 2.24%
- SCHD's one-year return is 38.54%, VYM's is 19.37%
may suit investors who prefer lower fees and a focus on financial services.
may suit investors looking for higher yield and strong one-year returns.
Summary written from the figures below by an AI model. Past returns do not predict future results; this is educational, not advice.
Side-by-side
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF | VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares | |
|---|---|---|
| Expense ratio | 0.060% | 0.040%● |
| Fund size (assets) | $121.1B● | $101.0B |
| Dividend yield | 2.95%● | 2.24% |
| Return YTD | 33.56%● | 16.13% |
| Return 1 year | 38.54%● | 19.37% |
| 3 years (annualised) | 20.72% | 20.93%● |
| 5 years (annualised) | 10.62% | 11.76%● |
| 10 years (annualised) | 13.70%● | 12.03% |
| Volatility (5y std dev) | 15.6% | 13.9%● |
| Beta vs market (5y) | 0.67 | 0.72● |
| Issuer | Schwab ETFs | Vanguard |
| Launched | 2011-10-20 | 2006-11-10 |
● marks the best value in a row (lowest cost or volatility, highest return, yield or size). Returns as of 2026-11-06; past performance does not predict future results.
What the fees cost you
A simple illustration: the same $0M growing at an assumed 7% a year before fees. Only the expense ratios differ. This is not a forecast.
Top holdings and overlap
- TXNTexas Instruments Inc4.6%
- COPConocoPhillips4.3%
- CVXChevron Corp4.3%
- PGProcter & Gamble Co4.2%
- KOCoca-Cola Co4.1%
- AMGNAmgen Inc4.1%
- HDThe Home Depot Inc4.0%
- UNHUnitedHealth Group Inc3.9%
- MRKMerck & Co Inc3.8%
- PEPPepsiCo Inc3.8%
- AVGOBroadcom Inc6.9%
- JPMJPMorgan Chase & Co3.8%
- XOMExxonMobil Holdings Corp2.8%
- JNJJohnson & Johnson2.7%
- ABBVAbbVie Inc2.0%
- CSCOCisco Systems Inc1.8%
- CVXChevron Corp1.6%
- CATCaterpillar Inc1.6%
- MRKMerck & Co Inc1.5%
- BACBank of America Corp1.5%
SCHD and VYM share 2 of their top 10 holdings (CVX, MRK), about 3.1% of each fund in those names.
Overlap is measured on the top 10 holdings only.
Sector mix
- Consumer Defensive19.8%
- Healthcare18.6%
- Energy16.4%
- Technology16.2%
- Financial Services8.8%
- Industrials7.7%
- Financial Services20.9%
- Technology17.5%
- Healthcare14.1%
- Industrials11.6%
- Energy10.2%
- Consumer Defensive8.2%
Common questions
Which has lower fees, SCHD or VYM?
VYM has the lower expense ratio at 0.040% a year, against 0.060% for SCHD. On $10,000 that is about $2 a year in fees.
Which is bigger, SCHD or VYM?
SCHD manages about $121.1 billion in assets, compared with $101.0 billion for VYM.
Do SCHD and VYM hold the same stocks?
They share 2 of their top 10 holdings (CVX, MRK), roughly 3.1% of each fund in those names, so owning both adds little diversification.
Compare any ETFs
Pick up to four funds and see fees, overlap and the cost of fees over time.
Open the compare toolFund data comes from public fund filings and market data and is refreshed daily; returns are total returns and past performance does not predict future results. This page is educational and is not investment advice. Check the fund's official documents before investing.