DEM vs SCHD
WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DEM offers more diversification with 501 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.19% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 518 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +17.62% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.58% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.71% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.78% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DEM vs SCHD Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets High Dividend Fund (DEM) 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 DEM returned +23.58% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, DEM is up 17.62% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, DEM compounded at +17.71% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.78% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +1.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -57.0% for DEM 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEM charges 0.63% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $63 vs $6 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEM currently yields 4.19% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DEM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 601 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, DEM or SCHD?
DEM has an expense ratio of 0.63% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEM or SCHD?
Over the past year DEM returned +23.58% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DEM annualized +1.79% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEM or SCHD?
DEM has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DEM -57.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DEM and SCHD?
DEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEM and SCHD?
DEM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 601 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEM or SCHD?
DEM yields 4.19% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so DEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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