DES vs SCHD
DES vs SCHD
WisdomTree US SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. DES delivered stronger 1-year returns. DES offers more diversification with 510 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DES | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 530 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +24.05% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.95% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.73% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.46% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DES vs SCHD Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) 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 DES returned +32.95% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, DES is up 24.05% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, DES compounded at +13.73% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.46% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +5.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -68.1% for DES 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DES charges 0.38% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $6 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DES currently yields 2.26% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DES and SCHD share 24 holdings out of 586 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DES | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BKE | 0.68% | 0.03% | 0.65% |
| FHI | 0.56% | 0.11% | 0.45% |
| IPAR | 0.49% | 0.06% | 0.43% |
| DINO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KFY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVBF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WEN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BANR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CHCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DES shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DES or SCHD?
DES has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DES or SCHD?
Over the past year DES returned +32.95% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so DES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DES annualized +5.34% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DES or SCHD?
DES has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DES -68.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DES and SCHD?
DES and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DES and SCHD?
DES and SCHD share 24 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 586 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DES or SCHD?
DES yields 2.26% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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