ETF Versus

SCHA vs VBR

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund ETF Shares

Last updated: 2026-04-02

SCHA

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to small-cap U.S. equities with higher growth potential and volatility. Launched in 2009, the fund has a 17-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: N/A Yield: N/A Since: 2009-11-03
VBR

Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund ETF Shares (VBR) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to us small cap value securities. Launched in 2004, the fund has a 22-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: N/A Yield: N/A Since: 2004-01-30

Quick Verdict

Over the past year, SCHA has significantly outperformed with a 23.1% return vs 15.0%.

Key Metrics

Metric SCHA VBR
Expense Ratio N/A N/A
Dividend Yield N/A N/A
Fund Family N/A N/A
Category US Small Cap US Small Cap Value

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

75 88 101 114 127 140 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
SCHA +15.6%
VBR +29.6%

Performance Comparison

Period SCHA VBR Difference
1 Month -2.75% -4.01% +1.26%
3 Months +1.91% +1.73% +0.18%
6 Months +3.60% +3.54% +0.06%
YTD +1.91% +1.73% +0.18%
1 Year +23.11% +15.02% +8.09%
3 Years +40.06% +37.32% +2.74%
5 Years +15.59% +29.61% -14.02%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SCHA Fees VBR Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $0 $0 $0
$10,000 20 years $0 $0 $0
$10,000 30 years $0 $0 $0
$50,000 10 years $0 $0 $0
$50,000 30 years $0 $0 $0
$100,000 30 years $0 $0 $0

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric SCHA VBR
Annualized Volatility 22.0% 19.9%
Max Drawdown -31.6% -25.1%
Sharpe Ratio 0.04 0.14

Dividend Comparison

Metric SCHA VBR
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.34 $4.14
Dividend Yield 1.16% 1.90%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose SCHA if...

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

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