DFIS vs SCHD
Dimensional International Small Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, DFIS or SCHD?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. DFIS led over 3Y, SCHD over 1Y and the full window.
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 | DFIS | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $5.7B | $119.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 2.96% |
| Holdings | 6,965 | 204 |
| YTD Return | +5.31% | +29.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +13.65% | +37.26%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.39%Best | +19.10% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.87% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 15.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -27.2% | -16.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.6 years | $15,149 | $15,764Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 23, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 24, 2022 to Nov 6, 2026 (4.6 years).
DFIS 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 4.6 years both funds cover.
DFIS vs SCHD Performance
Dimensional International Small Cap ETF (DFIS) is an ETF from Dimensional and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFIS returned +13.65% while SCHD returned +37.26%. Year to date, DFIS is up 5.31% versus a gain of 29.95% for SCHD.
Over three years, DFIS compounded at +19.39% per year against +19.10% for SCHD.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 15.7% 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 -27.2% for DFIS 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFIS 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, DFIS currently yields 2.23% against 2.96% for SCHD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFIS 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, DFIS or SCHD?
DFIS 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, DFIS or SCHD?
Over the past year DFIS returned +13.65% vs +37.26% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFIS or SCHD?
DFIS has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 15.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DFIS -27.2% vs SCHD -16.1%.
Should I hold both DFIS and SCHD?
DFIS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, 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, DFIS or SCHD?
DFIS yields 2.23% while SCHD yields 2.96%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than DFIS?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. DFIS led over 3Y, SCHD over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.