Dividend comparison
SWPPX vs VFIAX: Which Is Better?
Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund- Select Shares and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.
SWPPX vs VFIAX: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
- Income. Their trailing yields are almost the same: 0.98% for SWPPX and 1.04% for VFIAX. SWPPX pays annual, VFIAX pays quarterly.
- Performance. Over the last 5 years, SWPPX returned 81.7% versus 80.1% for VFIAX, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $18,168 in SWPPX and $18,011 in VFIAX.
- Risk. Their worst declines over the last 5 years were similar: -24.6% for SWPPX and -24.5% for VFIAX from peak to trough.
- Dividend growth. VFIAX grew its yearly payout 6.8% a year over the last 4 years, versus 6.0% for SWPPX.
Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
| Metric | SWPPX Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund- Select Shares | VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield (TTM) | 0.98% | 1.04% |
| Dividend / share (TTM) | $0.19 | $7.42 |
| Payout frequency | Annual | Quarterly |
| Last dividend | $0.1946 on Dec 12, 2025 | $1.8186 on Sep 29, 2026 |
| Ex-dividend date | Dec 12, 2025 | Sep 28, 2026 |
| Dividend growth (CAGR) | 6.0% over 4 yrs | 6.8% over 4 yrs |
| Price | $19.93 | $711.99 |
| Dividend growth streak | 4 years | 5 years |
| Beta | 1.01 | 1.01 |
| Max drawdown (5Y) | -24.6% | -24.5% |
| Market cap | $148.68B | $1.73T |
| Exchange | NASDAQ | NASDAQ |
| Number of holdings | — | 100 |
| Top 10 concentration | — | 39.1% |
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.
SWPPX
$8.14/mo
$98 /yr at 0.98% yield
VFIAX
$8.68/mo
$104 /yr at 1.04% yield
Dividend history
Total dividends paid per share in each calendar year. SWPPX pays annual; VFIAX pays quarterly.
| Year | SWPPX | VFIAX |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $0.1946 | $7.0637 |
| 2024 | $0.1850 | $6.7049 |
| 2023 | $0.1743 | $6.3670 |
| 2022 | $0.1635 | $5.9527 |
| 2021 | $0.1540 | $5.4367 |
Strategy: Broad index
Low-cost funds that hold an entire market or index at market-cap weights and make no attempt to select securities. Return is the index return less a small fee, and dividends are a by-product of what the underlying companies choose to pay rather than an objective of the strategy. Differences between funds tracking the same index usually come down to fee, wrapper structure, share price and trading liquidity, not to holdings.
Current income is low and outside your control, so these need pairing with something else if the portfolio has to produce cash today.
Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $18,168 in SWPPX and $18,011 in VFIAX.
| Period | SWPPX | VFIAX |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | 0.86% | 0.62% |
| 3 months | 3.86% | 3.43% |
| Year to date | 13.63% | 12.69% |
| 1 year | 15.80% | 14.48% |
| 3 years | 88.73% | 87.46% |
| 5 years | 81.68% | 80.11% |
- SWPPX
- VFIAX
Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Top 10 holdings
Largest positions by portfolio weight.
Quick verdict
VFIAX currently posts the higher TTM yield (1.04%). SWPPX yields 0.98%; VFIAX yields 1.04%. Choose based on whether you prioritize current cash flow, dividend growth, or total return — then model the holding inside your real portfolio.
Still deciding? Compare them in your portfolio
Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how SWPPX vs VFIAX fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is SWPPX or VFIAX better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. SWPPX currently yields 0.98% Trailing Twelve Months (TTM) while VFIAX yields 1.04%. Higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, but may come with different risk, growth, or NAV characteristics. Compare total return and payout sustainability — not just the headline yield.
What is the difference between SWPPX and VFIAX?
Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund- Select Shares (SWPPX) is an ETF listed on NASDAQ. Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) is an ETF listed on NASDAQ. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which has performed better, SWPPX or VFIAX?
Over the last 5 years, SWPPX has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: SWPPX returned 81.7% and VFIAX returned 80.1%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, SWPPX or VFIAX?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, SWPPX has been riskier: SWPPX fell as much as 24.6% and VFIAX as much as 24.5%. Their betas are 1.01 and 1.01.
How often do SWPPX and VFIAX pay dividends?
SWPPX pays annual and VFIAX pays quarterly.
How much income does $10,000 in SWPPX vs VFIAX generate?
At current TTM yields, $10,000 in SWPPX would generate roughly $8.14 per month ($98 annually). The same amount in VFIAX would produce about $8.68 per month ($104 annually). Actual payouts vary with distribution changes and reinvestment.
Can I hold both SWPPX and VFIAX?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare SWPPX vs VFIAX with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how SWPPX and VFIAX fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.
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For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.