DFEM vs SCHD
Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, DFEM or SCHD?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. DFEM led over 3Y and the full window, SCHD over 1Y.
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 | DFEM | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $9.7B | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.84% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 6,512 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +21.46% | +23.60%Best |
| 1Y Return | +28.17% | +28.29%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.80%Best | +16.25% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.25% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -16.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.4 years | $17,950Best | $15,412 |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Apr 26, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 27, 2022 to Sep 21, 2026 (4.4 years).
DFEM 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 4.4 years both funds cover.
DFEM vs SCHD Performance
Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) is an ETF from Dimensional and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFEM returned +28.17% while SCHD returned +28.29%. Year to date, DFEM is up 21.46% versus a gain of 23.60% for SCHD.
Over three years, DFEM compounded at +22.80% per year against +16.25% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFEM has the edge at +14.22% annualized vs +10.33%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% compared with 15.0% 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 -20.8% for DFEM and -16.1% 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 0.54. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFEM charges 0.39% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $6 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFEM currently yields 1.84% against 3.00% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 6,637 holdings in DFEM and 100 in SCHD, totalling 83.0% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 6,637 positions we hold weights for in DFEM and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 6,512 and 103.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFEM 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, DFEM or SCHD?
DFEM has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $33 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFEM or SCHD?
Over the past year DFEM returned +28.17% vs +28.29% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFEM annualized +14.22% vs +10.33% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFEM or SCHD?
DFEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.0% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DFEM -20.8% vs SCHD -16.1%.
Should I hold both DFEM and SCHD?
DFEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFEM or SCHD?
DFEM yields 1.84% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than DFEM?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. DFEM led over 3Y and the full window, SCHD over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.