Reviewed decision tool
Compare two or three reviewed dividend ETFs side by side using yield, fees, fund size, payout frequency, source-defined cumulative return and visible risk context. The tool does not name an overall winner: a higher distribution yield can accompany capped upside, price decay, concentration or a shorter operating history.
| Metric | SCHD | VIG | VYM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source-reported yield | 3.00% | 1.40% | 2.40% |
| Issuer-reviewed expense ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| AUM | $109.6B | $111.1B | $80.2B |
| Payout frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Inception | 2011-10-20 | 2006-04-21 | 2006-11-10 |
| Source-defined cumulative return | 531% | 608% | 470% |
| Source-reported grade | A+ | A+ | A+ |
| Price-decay flag | No | No | No |
| Data status | source-reported | source-reported | source-reported |
Investors seeking a diversified U.S. dividend core with a quality screen and quarterly distributions.
Specific risk: Its index methodology can create sector concentration and can lag growth-led markets for extended periods.
Open full SCHD scorecardLong-horizon investors who prioritize dividend growth and business quality over maximum current yield.
Specific risk: The dividend-growth screen may exclude newer or higher-yielding companies and can tilt the portfolio toward expensive large caps.
Open full VIG scorecardCost-conscious investors wanting broad U.S. high-dividend exposure without an options overlay.
Specific risk: A yield-oriented screen can overweight mature sectors and companies whose yields rise because their prices have weakened.
Open full VYM scorecardWhat this tool calculates
Each selected ETF keeps its own sourced or issuer-reviewed value. No formula combines yield, grade or return into a “best ETF” score. Unavailable values remain unavailable, and a retained return conflict is shown instead of choosing one figure.
Worked example
The default comparison contrasts three dividend-core approaches. Use the yield and fee rows for current income context, then read portfolio role and specific risk before deciding whether dividend quality, dividend growth or broader high-dividend exposure fits the intended allocation.
Start with the portfolio role, then compare yield, expense ratio, payout structure, operating history and total-return context. Cumulative returns from differently aged funds are not directly comparable because their measurement periods differ. A higher ETF yield is not automatically safer or better.
Dataset facts are source-reported or issuer-reviewed as labeled. This educational comparison is not financial advice. Review current issuer documents before investing.