SCHD vs VYM: ETF Comparison
Compare SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) side by side by average annual total return since inception — one fair number covering price and dividends.
Updated Aug 4, 2026
*For entertainment purposes ONLY! NOT financial advice! Data may be inaccurate.*
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SCHD vs VYM: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, SCHD holds a clear edge over VYM: +13.4% per year vs +9.4% per year — a gap of 4.0 percentage points annually. Total return counts both price movement and dividends, so this is the whole picture of each fund's performance, not just yield.
Keep the track records in mind: VYM has been trading for 19.7 years, while SCHD has only 14.8 years of history. A shorter track record means the younger fund's average has been shaped by fewer market environments — one strong or weak stretch moves the needle more.
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SCHD vs VYM Side-by-Side Data
| Symbol | Name | Provider | Inception | Age | Total Return | Avg. Annual Return | Yield | Expense Ratio | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SCHD | Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF | Schwab | 10/20/2011 | 14.8y | +542.0% | +13.4% | 3.4% | 0.06% | A |
| VYM | Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | Vanguard | 11/10/2006 | 19.7y | +487.0% | +9.4% | 2.5% | 0.04% | A |
SCHD vs VYM — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, SCHD or VYM?
By average annual total return since inception, SCHD holds a clear edge over VYM (+13.4% vs +9.4% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between SCHD and VYM?
SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) is offered by Schwab and currently yields 3.4%. VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) is offered by Vanguard and yields 2.5%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +13.4% and +9.4% respectively.
Does SCHD pay a higher dividend than VYM?
SCHD currently yields 3.4% and VYM yields 2.5%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.