Generated June 2026 from current fund data.
Overview
SCHG and VOO are both low-cost, large-cap equity ETFs tracking different benchmarks: SCHG follows the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Growth Index and tilts toward growth stocks, while VOO tracks the S&P 500 and holds a blend of growth and value names across the 500 largest U.S. companies. The core distinction is strategy—SCHG is growth-focused with higher volatility; VOO is market-cap-weighted and more diversified across market styles.
How they differ
SCHG's growth tilt is the headline difference. Its beta of 1.19 versus VOO's 1.0 means it amplifies market moves—on both upside and downside. That growth bias also explains SCHG's lower yield of 0.42% versus VOO's 1.11%; growth stocks typically pay less and retain earnings for reinvestment, while the S&P 500's broader mix includes dividend-paying industrials and financials. Both charge minimal fees—SCHG at 0.04% and VOO at 0.03%—but VOO's $1033B in assets dwarfs SCHG's $58.4B, giving VOO deeper liquidity and tighter spreads for large trades.
Who each is best for
SCHG: Fits investors with a longer time horizon who believe large-cap growth will outpace the broader market and are comfortable with higher volatility in exchange for potential capital appreciation over decades.
VOO: Designed for investors seeking broad exposure to the U.S. large-cap market without a style bet, prioritizing simplicity, diversification, and slightly higher current income from dividends.
Key risks to know
- Growth concentration and style-cycle risk. SCHG's tilted portfolio means it will lag during periods when value stocks outperform, and may significantly underperform if tech and growth sectors face a prolonged downturn—a risk inherent to any growth-only strategy.
- Higher beta volatility. SCHG's 1.19 beta means larger drawdowns than the broader market during sell-offs; an investor uncomfortable with 19% more volatility than the S&P 500 should account for that in portfolio construction.
- Reinvestment timing on distributions. VOO's higher yield (1.11% vs. 0.42%) provides more frequent cash to reinvest, which can create timing risk if markets fall shortly after distribution; conversely, SCHG's minimal distributions reduce that friction.
- AUM and fund-closures risk. While both are large, VOO's $1033B in assets makes it effectively permanent; SCHG's smaller base, though still sizable, carries marginally higher closure or merger risk over a 30+ year horizon, though this remains unlikely.
Bottom line
If you expect growth stocks to deliver superior long-term returns and can tolerate higher volatility, SCHG's concentrated tilt offers that bet with minimal fees. If you prefer owning the entire S&P 500 without a style bias and want higher current income, VOO's broader diversification and 1.0 beta provide that at a nearly identical cost. Past performance in either category does not predict future results.
AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.