BME vs SCHD
BlackRock Health Sciences Trust vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. BME delivered stronger 1-year returns. BME offers more diversification with 156 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BME | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.14% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $595M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.05% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 156 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.08% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.53% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.85% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.65% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2005 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BME vs SCHD Performance
BlackRock Health Sciences Trust (BME) 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 BME returned +32.53% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, BME is up 12.08% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, BME compounded at +10.85% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.65% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +4.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BME has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -44.6% for BME 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BME charges 1.14% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $114 vs $6 annually, a gap of $108 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BME currently yields 7.05% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
BME and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 232 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BME or SCHD?
BME has an expense ratio of 1.14% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $108 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BME or SCHD?
Over the past year BME returned +32.53% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so BME leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BME annualized +4.45% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BME or SCHD?
BME has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: BME -44.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BME and SCHD?
BME and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BME and SCHD?
BME and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 15.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 232 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BME or SCHD?
BME yields 7.05% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so BME currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.