DFIV vs SCHD
Dimensional International Value ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. DFIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFIV offers more diversification with 578 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFIV | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $20.9B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.74% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 628 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +16.21% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.51% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.52% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.11% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 1999 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DFIV vs SCHD Performance
Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) is a ETF from Dimensional and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFIV returned +33.51% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, DFIV is up 16.21% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, DFIV compounded at +24.52% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +16.11% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFIV has the edge at +16.11% annualized vs +11.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -25.4% for DFIV 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFIV charges 0.27% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $6 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFIV currently yields 2.74% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DFIV and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 678 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, DFIV or SCHD?
DFIV has an expense ratio of 0.27% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFIV or SCHD?
Over the past year DFIV returned +33.51% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so DFIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFIV annualized +16.11% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFIV or SCHD?
DFIV has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DFIV -25.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DFIV and SCHD?
DFIV and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFIV and SCHD?
DFIV and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 678 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFIV or SCHD?
DFIV yields 2.74% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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