CA vs SCHD
Xtrackers California Municipal Bond ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. CA offers more diversification with 259 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $21M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.21% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 259 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.16% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.72% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CA vs SCHD Performance
Xtrackers California Municipal Bond ETF (CA) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CA returned +5.72% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, CA is up 1.16% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 4.1% for CA. 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 -5.2% for CA 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CA charges 0.07% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $6 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CA currently yields 3.21% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 260 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, CA or SCHD?
CA has an expense ratio of 0.07% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CA or SCHD?
Over the past year CA returned +5.72% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CA annualized +2.81% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.1% for CA. Worst drawdown: CA -5.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CA and SCHD?
CA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CA and SCHD?
CA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 260 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CA or SCHD?
CA yields 3.21% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so CA 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.