DFGX vs SCHD
Dimensional International Core Fixed Income ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFGX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 746 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.97% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.70% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DFGX vs SCHD Performance
Dimensional International Core Fixed Income ETF (DFGX) is a ETF from Dimensional and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFGX returned +1.70% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, DFGX is up 0.97% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 4.3% for DFGX. 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 -3.3% for DFGX 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFGX charges 0.20% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFGX currently yields 2.73% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DFGX and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 175 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, DFGX or SCHD?
DFGX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFGX or SCHD?
Over the past year DFGX returned +1.70% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DFGX annualized +5.58% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFGX or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.3% for DFGX. Worst drawdown: DFGX -3.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DFGX and SCHD?
DFGX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFGX and SCHD?
DFGX and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFGX or SCHD?
DFGX yields 2.73% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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