ETF Versus

SCHA vs VUG

Schwab U.S. Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Growth 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
VUG

Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF Shares (VUG) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to large-cap U.S. growth stocks with above-average earnings potential. 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 17.0%.

Key Metrics

Metric SCHA VUG
Expense Ratio N/A N/A
Dividend Yield N/A N/A
Fund Family N/A N/A
Category US Small Cap US Large Cap Growth

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

75 98 121 144 167 190 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
SCHA +15.6%
VUG +66.0%

Performance Comparison

Period SCHA VUG Difference
1 Month -2.75% -3.87% +1.12%
3 Months +1.91% -9.18% +11.09%
6 Months +3.60% -8.96% +12.56%
YTD +1.91% -9.18% +11.09%
1 Year +23.11% +17.03% +6.08%
3 Years +40.06% +77.18% -37.12%
5 Years +15.59% +66.01% -50.42%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SCHA Fees VUG 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 VUG
Annualized Volatility 22.0% 22.2%
Max Drawdown -31.6% -36.0%
Sharpe Ratio 0.04 0.37

Dividend Comparison

Metric SCHA VUG
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.34 $1.99
Dividend Yield 1.16% 0.45%
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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