ACWV vs SCHD
iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. ACWV offers more diversification with 381 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACWV | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.3B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.96% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 437 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +6.36% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.56% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.91% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.75% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ACWV vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ACWV returned +7.56% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, ACWV is up 6.36% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, ACWV compounded at +10.91% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +5.75% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +8.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.0% for ACWV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -28.8% for ACWV and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACWV charges 0.20% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWV currently yields 1.96% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ACWV and SCHD share 17 holdings out of 464 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACWV or SCHD?
ACWV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWV or SCHD?
Over the past year ACWV returned +7.56% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ACWV annualized +8.48% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWV or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.0% for ACWV. Worst drawdown: ACWV -28.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ACWV and SCHD?
ACWV and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACWV and SCHD?
ACWV and SCHD share 17 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 464 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWV or SCHD?
ACWV yields 1.96% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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