DFAS vs SCHD
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAS offers more diversification with 2,102 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $15.9B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.98% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 2,102 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +17.24% | +27.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.90% | +30.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.21% | +16.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.43% | +10.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 1998 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DFAS vs SCHD Performance
Dimensional US Small Cap ETF (DFAS) is a ETF from Dimensional and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFAS returned +20.90% while SCHD returned +30.06%. Year to date, DFAS is up 17.24% versus a gain of 27.93% for SCHD.
Over three years, DFAS compounded at +15.21% per year against +16.25% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.43% and +10.03% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.56% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -26.1% for DFAS 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAS charges 0.26% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $6 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAS currently yields 0.98% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DFAS and SCHD share 54 holdings out of 2111 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAS or SCHD?
DFAS has an expense ratio of 0.26% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAS or SCHD?
Over the past year DFAS returned +20.90% vs +30.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAS annualized +8.16% vs +11.56% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAS or SCHD?
DFAS has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DFAS -26.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DFAS and SCHD?
DFAS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAS and SCHD?
DFAS and SCHD share 54 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAS or SCHD?
DFAS yields 0.98% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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