AIA vs SCHD
iShares Asia 50 ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AIA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $4.5B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +36.57% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.52% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +36.70% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.12% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AIA vs SCHD Performance
iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) 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 AIA returned +65.52% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, AIA is up 36.57% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, AIA compounded at +36.70% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.12% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +6.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.3% 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 -61.1% for AIA 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIA charges 0.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $6 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIA currently yields 1.50% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AIA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 154 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIA or SCHD?
AIA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIA or SCHD?
Over the past year AIA returned +65.52% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so AIA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), AIA annualized +6.32% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIA or SCHD?
AIA has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AIA -61.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AIA and SCHD?
AIA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIA and SCHD?
AIA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 154 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIA or SCHD?
AIA yields 1.50% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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