CBON vs SCHD
VanEck China Bond 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CBON | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $26M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +5.61% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.25% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.44% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.13% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CBON vs SCHD Performance
VanEck China Bond ETF (CBON) is a ETF from VanEck and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CBON returned +9.25% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, CBON is up 5.61% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, CBON compounded at +5.44% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.13% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +0.69%. 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 5.3% for CBON. 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 -15.5% for CBON 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CBON 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, CBON currently yields 1.54% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CBON or SCHD?
CBON 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, CBON or SCHD?
Over the past year CBON returned +9.25% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), CBON annualized +0.69% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CBON or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 5.3% for CBON. Worst drawdown: CBON -15.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CBON and SCHD?
CBON and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, CBON or SCHD?
CBON yields 1.54% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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