ETF Versus

SCHA vs SCHH

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF vs Schwab U.S. REIT ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

SCHA Schwab

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.16%. Launched in 2009, the fund has a 17-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.04% Yield: 1.16% Since: 2009-11-03
SCHH Schwab

Schwab U.S. REIT ETF (SCHH) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to U.S. real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate companies. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.07%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.99%. Launched in 2011, the fund has a 15-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.07% Yield: 2.99% Since: 2011-01-13

Quick Verdict

SCHA has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.04% vs 0.07%), saving about $60 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, SCHA has significantly outperformed with a 23.3% return vs 0.7%. Income investors may prefer SCHH for its higher yield (3.0% vs 1.2%).

Key Metrics

Metric SCHA SCHH
Expense Ratio 0.04% 0.07%
Dividend Yield 1.2% 3.0%
Fund Family Schwab Schwab
Category US Small Cap US Real Estate

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

75 85 95 105 115 125 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
SCHA +15.8%
SCHH +3.8%

Performance Comparison

Period SCHA SCHH Difference
1 Month -2.58% -5.26% +2.68%
3 Months +2.08% +4.16% -2.08%
6 Months +3.78% +2.06% +1.72%
YTD +2.08% +4.16% -2.08%
1 Year +23.32% +0.74% +22.58%
3 Years +40.30% +12.67% +27.63%
5 Years +15.78% +3.76% +12.02%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SCHA Fees SCHH Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $80 $140 $60
$10,000 20 years $344 $600 $256
$10,000 30 years $1,112 $1,938 $826
$50,000 10 years $399 $698 $298
$50,000 30 years $5,560 $9,692 $4,131
$100,000 30 years $11,121 $19,383 $8,263

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric SCHA SCHH
Annualized Volatility 22.0% 18.8%
Max Drawdown -31.6% -36.4%
Sharpe Ratio 0.04 -0.11

Dividend Comparison

Metric SCHA SCHH
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.34 $0.65
Dividend Yield 1.16% 2.99%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose SCHA if...

you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.

Choose SCHA if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

Choose SCHH if...

you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.

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