BELT vs SCHD
iShares US Select Equity Active ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BELT | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $10M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +18.04% | +27.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.13% | +31.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BELT vs SCHD Performance
iShares US Select Equity Active ETF (BELT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BELT returned +21.13% while SCHD returned +31.26%. Year to date, BELT is up 18.04% versus a gain of 27.67% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BELT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -23.1% for BELT 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 0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BELT charges 0.75% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $6 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BELT currently yields 0.02% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
BELT and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 119 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, BELT or SCHD?
BELT has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BELT or SCHD?
Over the past year BELT returned +21.13% vs +31.26% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BELT annualized +13.53% vs +11.57% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BELT or SCHD?
BELT has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: BELT -23.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BELT and SCHD?
BELT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BELT and SCHD?
BELT and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BELT or SCHD?
BELT yields 0.02% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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