BIL vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBILSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.14%0.06%
AUM$47.2B$103.7B
Dividend Yield3.85%3.31%
Holdings20104
YTD Return+1.82%+24.26%
1Y Return+3.49%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.33%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.41%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)0.6%13.6%
Max Drawdown-1.2%-33.4%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMay 25, 2007Oct 20, 2011

BIL vs SCHD Performance

State Street SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (BIL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BIL returned +3.49% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BIL is up 1.82% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, BIL compounded at +4.33% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +3.41% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +0.87%. 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 0.6% for BIL. 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 -1.2% for BIL 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BIL charges 0.14% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $6 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BIL currently yields 3.85% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BIL and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, BIL or SCHD?

BIL has an expense ratio of 0.14% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BIL or SCHD?

Over the past year BIL returned +3.49% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BIL annualized +0.87% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BIL or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 0.6% for BIL. Worst drawdown: BIL -1.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both BIL and SCHD?

BIL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BIL and SCHD?

BIL and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BIL or SCHD?

BIL yields 3.85% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so BIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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