ETF Versus

SCHA vs SCHP

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF vs Schwab U.S. TIPS 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
SCHP Schwab

Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF (SCHP) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to us tips securities. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.05%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.71%. Launched in 2010, the fund has a 16-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.05% Yield: 3.71% Since: 2010-08-05

Quick Verdict

Both funds have nearly identical expense ratios (0.04% vs 0.05%), so fees are not a differentiator here. Over the past year, SCHA has significantly outperformed with a 23.3% return vs -0.5%. Income investors may prefer SCHP for its higher yield (3.7% vs 1.2%).

Key Metrics

Metric SCHA SCHP
Expense Ratio 0.04% 0.05%
Dividend Yield 1.2% 3.7%
Fund Family Schwab Schwab
Category US Small Cap US TIPS

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%
SCHP -12.7%

Performance Comparison

Period SCHA SCHP Difference
1 Month -2.58% -0.84% -1.74%
3 Months +2.08% +0.62% +1.46%
6 Months +3.78% -0.69% +4.47%
YTD +2.08% +0.62% +1.46%
1 Year +23.32% -0.47% +23.79%
3 Years +40.30% -0.63% +40.93%
5 Years +15.78% -12.68% +28.46%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SCHA Fees SCHP Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $80 $100 $20
$10,000 20 years $344 $430 $86
$10,000 30 years $1,112 $1,388 $276
$50,000 10 years $399 $499 $100
$50,000 30 years $5,560 $6,941 $1,381
$100,000 30 years $11,121 $13,882 $2,762

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric SCHA SCHP
Annualized Volatility 22.0% 6.3%
Max Drawdown -31.6% -22.2%
Sharpe Ratio 0.04 -1.11

Dividend Comparison

Metric SCHA SCHP
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.34 $0.99
Dividend Yield 1.16% 3.71%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Monthly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose SCHA if...

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

Choose SCHP if...

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

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