ACWX vs SCHD
iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. ACWX offers more diversification with 1,913 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACWX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $12.0B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 1,913 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.74% | +27.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.24% | +31.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.16% | +16.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.48% | +10.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2008 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ACWX vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (ACWX) 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 ACWX returned +26.24% while SCHD returned +31.26%. Year to date, ACWX is up 14.74% versus a gain of 27.67% for SCHD.
Over three years, ACWX compounded at +20.16% per year against +16.66% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.48% and +10.18% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.57% annualized vs +3.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -60.6% for ACWX 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACWX charges 0.32% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $6 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWX currently yields 2.53% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ACWX and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 1453 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ACWX | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.06% | 4.26% | 4.20% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACWX or SCHD?
ACWX has an expense ratio of 0.32% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWX or SCHD?
Over the past year ACWX returned +26.24% vs +31.26% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ACWX annualized +3.14% vs +11.57% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWX or SCHD?
ACWX has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ACWX -60.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ACWX and SCHD?
ACWX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACWX and SCHD?
ACWX and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1453 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWX or SCHD?
ACWX yields 2.53% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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