CEW vs SCHD
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund 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 | CEW | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $16M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +4.93% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.98% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.75% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.41% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 6, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CEW vs SCHD Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CEW returned +9.98% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, CEW is up 4.93% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, CEW compounded at +7.75% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.41% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +1.35%. 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 7.8% for CEW. 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 -27.9% for CEW 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEW charges 0.55% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $6 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEW currently yields 2.41% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CEW 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, CEW or SCHD?
CEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEW or SCHD?
Over the past year CEW returned +9.98% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CEW annualized +1.35% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEW or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.8% for CEW. Worst drawdown: CEW -27.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CEW and SCHD?
CEW and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEW and SCHD?
CEW and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEW or SCHD?
CEW yields 2.41% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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