What are the key structural differences between SCHD and VTI?

SCHD is a Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF with a 3.11% dividend yield, $112.8 billion in net assets, and an inception date of October 20, 2011. It tracks a not available index and has a 0.06% expense ratio. VTI is a Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF with a 1.02% yield, $692.2 billion in assets, and an inception date of May 24, 2001. Its index is not available and its expense ratio is 0.03%.

How do the fund categories influence their investment strategies?

SCHD falls under the Large Value category, typically seeking companies trading below their intrinsic value with reliable dividend income. The category suggests a focus on stability and income generation through established firms. VTI is a Large Blend category fund, reflecting an approach to capture a broader segment of the market that encompasses growth, value, and various sizes. The blend indicates diversification across the entire US equity market.

What do the expense ratios mean for an investor?

An expense ratio is an annual fee that reduces fund returns. VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03%, which is 0.03 percentage points lower than SCHD's 0.06%. The difference means VTI has lower ongoing cost of holding. Over time, even small percentage point differences compound, meaning the lower cost can lead to higher net returns assuming the same gross returns.

How do the two funds compare in terms of dividend yields?

SCHD's dividend yield is 3.11%, which is 2.09 percentage points higher than VTI's 1.02% yield. Dividend yield shows the annual cash distributions relative to the fund's price. A higher yield indicates larger cash payments relative to the investment, while a lower yield reflects smaller cash distributions. This yield gap is a key differentiator in the comparison of the two funds.

What are the top holdings for each fund?

SCHD's largest holdings are MRK at 4.89%, ABT at 4.48%, and AMGN at 4.28%. VTI's largest holdings are NVDA at 6.87%, AAPL at 6.30%, and MSFT at 5.10%. These specific securities account for a significant portion of each fund's total assets, making them critical factors in evaluating the fund's performance and risks.

How do the funds differ in their market coverage?

SCHD is a Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF that focuses on dividend-paying stocks in the US market. It offers large value stocks and has a 0.06% expense ratio and a 3.11% yield. VTI is a Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF that covers the entire US equity market, including growth and value stocks. VTI's expense ratio is 0.03%, with a 1.02% yield.

What are the differences in their sector weightings?

The sector weightings for SCHD and VTI are both not available. Without specific sector data, investors cannot directly compare the sector diversification or concentration risks between the two funds. Sector weights are critical in assessing how exposure to different parts of the market influences a fund's performance and volatility, especially in varying economic conditions.

How do their index tracking methodologies differ?

The index tracking methodology for both SCHD and VTI is not available. This means investors cannot review the specific rules or guidelines each fund follows to replicate its index's performance. Index methodology is crucial as it determines which securities are included or excluded from a fund and impacts the fund's ability to accurately track its benchmark.

Are there any shared top holdings between the two funds?

None of SCHD and VTI's top ten holdings are shared. SCHD's top holdings include MRK, ABT, AMGN, while VTI's include NVDA, AAPL, MSFT. This lack of overlap in major holdings indicates that the funds have significantly different exposures to specific stocks, reflecting their respective strategies of dividend-focused value versus broad market growth.

What are the net asset sizes of each fund?

SCHD has net assets of $112.8 billion, while VTI has net assets of $692.2 billion. A fund's net assets represent its total value. While the asset size difference may impact liquidity and trading spreads, it is a key factor to understand in comparison with other funds.

SCHD vs VTI

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare SCHD and VTI side by side. This page examines fees, holdings, dividends, and how each fund tracks its market. SCHD focuses on US dividend equity with a 3.11% yield, while VTI offers total stock market exposure. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

SCHD

Metric

VTI

0.06%

Expense Ratio

0.03%

3.11%

Dividend Yield

1.02%

$112.77B

Net Assets

$692.20B

102

Holdings

3,514

Oct 20, 2011

Inception Date

May 24, 2001

–

Index Tracked

–

Large Value

Fund Category

Large Blend

VTI costs about $3.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

SCHD

Pros

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF offers a higher yield than broad market funds.
Large value focus provides defensive stability during market downturns.
Top holdings include established consumer staples and healthcare firms.

Considerations

Index methodology details are currently not available for verification.
Lacks technology sector exposure found in broader market indices.
Higher expense ratio compared to total market alternatives.

VTI

Pros

Invests across the entire US equity market capitalisation range.
Lowest expense ratio among major broad market ETFs.
Significant exposure to large-cap growth technology and communication stocks.

Considerations

Top ten holdings include high-growth tech with elevated valuations.
Lower income generation due to focus on growth rather dividends.
Index tracking methodology details are not available in data.

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About SCHD and VTI

SCHD (SCHD)

SCHD (Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF) is an exchange‑traded fund that aims to provide exposure to high-quality U.S. companies that have a history of paying dividends. Managed by Charles Schwab, the ETF screens for firms with stable earnings, reasonable payout ratios and consistent dividend records, concentrating on large‑cap names across a range of sectors. Investors often use SCHD for income and as a core holding to capture dividend yield with the diversification and liquidity of an ETF. It is designed to be a low‑cost, transparent vehicle, though dividends and share prices can fall and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Suitable for investors seeking income and long‑term total return, it may not fit those focused solely on capital growth or who require guarantees. As with any investment, consider costs, tax treatment and how it fits your wider portfolio before investing.

VTI (VTI)

This ETF offers broad exposure to the US equity market by tracking a comprehensive index of publicly traded companies. Designed as a large blend fund, it holds thousands of individual stocks, ranging from massive multinational corporations to smaller domestic firms. With an ultra-low expense ratio of 0.03%, it aims to provide cost-efficient long-term growth potential. The fund has a dividend yield of approximately 1.02%, reflecting the aggregate distributions from its holdings. Investors often consider this vehicle for core portfolio diversification, though it is essential to remember that stock market investments carry inherent risks, and values can fluctuate. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and returns are not guaranteed.

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SCHD vs VTI

Fund Snapshot