SCHD vs VYM
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares
Last updated: 2026-04-02
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.46%. Launched in 2011, the fund has a 15-year track record.
Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYM) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.37%. Launched in 2006, the fund has a 20-year track record.
Quick Verdict
VYM has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.04% vs 0.06%), saving about $40 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, VYM has significantly outperformed with a 15.0% return vs 9.5%. Income investors may prefer SCHD for its higher yield (3.5% vs 2.4%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
2 of top 10 holdings overlap (20% overlap in top holdings)
SCHD Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Chevron CorporationCVX | 4.66% |
| ConocoPhillipsCOP | 4.33% |
| Merck & Co., Inc.MRK | 4.08% |
| Verizon Communications Inc.VZ | 4.03% |
| The Coca-Cola CompanyKO | 3.98% |
| Texas Instruments IncorporatedTXN | 3.86% |
| PepsiCo, Inc.PEP | 3.83% |
| Amgen Inc.AMGN | 3.78% |
| Abbott LaboratoriesABT | 3.78% |
| The Procter & Gamble CompanyPG | 3.70% |
VYM Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Broadcom Inc.AVGO | 6.48% |
| JPMorgan Chase & Co.JPM | 3.36% |
| Exxon Mobil CorporationXOM | 2.83% |
| Johnson & JohnsonJNJ | 2.63% |
| Walmart Inc.WMT | 2.44% |
| AbbVie Inc.ABBV | 1.81% |
| The Procter & Gamble CompanyPG | 1.72% |
| The Home Depot, Inc.HD | 1.66% |
| Chevron CorporationCVX | 1.54% |
| Caterpillar Inc.CAT | 1.51% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose VYM if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose VYM if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose SCHD if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.
Either works if...
you just need broad us dividend exposure. Both are solid options — pick whichever your brokerage offers commission-free.