ETF Versus

SCHF vs VEA

Schwab International Equity ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares

Last updated: 2026-04-02

Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.27%. Launched in 2009, the fund has a 17-year track record.

AUM: $56.8B ER: 0.03% Yield: 3.27% Since: Nov 3, 2009
VEA Vanguard

Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF Shares (VEA) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.88%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.

AUM: $198.8B ER: 0.03% Yield: 2.88% Since: Jul 20, 2007

Quick Verdict

VEA has edged ahead over the past year (27.7% vs 26.6%).

Key Metrics

Metric SCHF VEA
Expense Ratio 0.03% 0.03%
Dividend Yield 3.3% 2.9%
Fund Family N/A Vanguard
Category International Developed International Developed

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

70 85 100 115 130 145 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
SCHF +30.0%
VEA +29.0%

Performance Comparison

Period SCHF VEA Difference
1 Month -5.42% -5.61% +0.19%
3 Months +3.20% +3.07% +0.13%
6 Months +5.94% +6.68% -0.74%
YTD +3.20% +3.07% +0.13%
1 Year +26.59% +27.70% -1.11%
3 Years +43.17% +43.04% +0.13%
5 Years +30.02% +28.99% +1.03%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SCHF Fees VEA Fees You Save
$10.000 10 years $60 $60 $0
$10.000 20 years $258 $258 $0
$10.000 30 years $835 $835 $0
$50.000 10 years $299 $299 $0
$50.000 30 years $4.176 $4.176 $0
$100.000 30 years $8.352 $8.352 $0

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric SCHF VEA
Annualized Volatility 16.3% 16.4%
Max Drawdown -31.4% -32.3%
Sharpe Ratio 0.13 0.12

Dividend Comparison

Metric SCHF VEA
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.82 $1.88
Dividend Yield 3.27% 2.88%
Distribution Frequency Semi-Annual or Annual Quarterly

Top Holdings

8 of top 9 holdings overlap (89% overlap in top holdings)

SCHF Top Holdings

NameWeight
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/0059302.12%
ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML1.97%
SK hynix Inc.!krx/0006601.27%
Novartis AG!swx/NOVN1.09%
AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN1.05%
HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA1.04%
Shell plc!lon/SHEL1.00%
Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN0.93%
Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/72030.85%

VEA Top Holdings

NameWeight
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.!krx/0059302.18%
ASML Holding N.V.!ams/ASML1.77%
SK hynix Inc.!krx/0006601.24%
Roche Holding AGROC1.L1.03%
Novartis AG!swx/NOVN1.00%
HSBC Holdings plc!lon/HSBA0.99%
AstraZeneca PLC!lon/AZN0.98%
Nestlé S.A.!swx/NESN0.86%
Toyota Motor Corporation!tyo/72030.80%

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose SCHF if...

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

Either works if...

you just need broad international developed exposure. Both are solid options — pick whichever your brokerage offers commission-free.

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