DEW vs SCHD
WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DEW offers more diversification with 690 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEW | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $163M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.14% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 690 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +18.15% | +27.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.73% | +29.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.82% | +16.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.17% | +9.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DEW vs SCHD Performance
WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW) 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 DEW returned +24.73% while SCHD returned +29.56%. Year to date, DEW is up 18.15% versus a gain of 27.67% for SCHD.
Over three years, DEW compounded at +19.82% per year against +16.53% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.17% and +9.95% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.55% annualized vs +2.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -69.2% for DEW 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEW charges 0.58% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $6 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEW currently yields 3.14% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DEW and SCHD share 36 holdings out of 746 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEW or SCHD?
DEW has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEW or SCHD?
Over the past year DEW returned +24.73% vs +29.56% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DEW annualized +2.89% vs +11.55% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEW or SCHD?
DEW has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DEW -69.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DEW and SCHD?
DEW and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEW and SCHD?
DEW and SCHD share 36 common holdings with a 14.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 746 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEW or SCHD?
DEW yields 3.14% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so DEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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