CWS vs SCHD
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, CWS or SCHD?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. SCHD is less concentrated, with 41.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 51.9%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CWS | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $131M | $112.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 3.13% |
| Holdings | 27 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +3.90% | +27.56%Best |
| 1Y Return | +4.08% | +30.29%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +16.37%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.25% | +10.23%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 15.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -33.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,864 | $16,274Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 51.9% | 41.5%Best |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 21, 2016 to Sep 4, 2026 (10 years).
CWS vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 10 years both funds cover.
CWS vs SCHD Performance
AdvisorShares Focused Equity ETF (CWS) is an ETF from Advisor Shares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CWS returned +4.08% while SCHD returned +30.29%. Year to date, CWS is up 3.90% versus a gain of 27.56% for SCHD.
Over three years, CWS compounded at +9.58% per year against +16.37% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.25% and +10.23% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.72% annualized vs +11.57%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 15.3% 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 -33.8% for CWS and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CWS charges 0.65% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $6 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CWS currently yields 0.29% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
6.1% of CWS's money is in holdings SCHD also owns. 5.2% of SCHD's money is in holdings CWS also owns.
CWS and SCHD share little of their money.
2 positions in common, counted across the 26 positions we hold weights for in CWS and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 27 and 103.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 26 and 100 positions we hold weights for.
SCHD holds 97 positions CWS does not, 94.7% of the fund.
Largest: AMGN 4.62%, HD 4.32%, MRK 4.26%, KO 4.20%, UNH 4.11%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CWS and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CWS or SCHD?
CWS has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $59 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CWS or SCHD?
Over the past year CWS returned +4.08% vs +30.29% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CWS annualized +11.57% vs +11.72% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CWS or SCHD?
CWS has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 15.3% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CWS -33.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CWS and SCHD?
CWS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between CWS and SCHD?
6.1% of CWS's money is in holdings SCHD also owns. 5.2% of SCHD's is in holdings CWS also owns. They hold 2 positions in common, counted across the 26 positions we hold weights for in CWS and 100 in SCHD.
Which pays a higher dividend, CWS or SCHD?
CWS yields 0.29% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than CWS?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. SCHD is less concentrated, with 41.5% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 51.9%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.