DFND vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDFNDSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio1.75%0.06%
AUM$9M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.95%3.31%
Holdings78104
YTD Return+6.97%+24.26%
1Y Return+0.06%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+8.78%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.37%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)10.8%13.6%
Max Drawdown-22.6%-33.4%
Fund FamilySRN AdvisorsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJan 14, 2016Oct 20, 2011

DFND vs SCHD Performance

Siren DIVCON Dividend Defender ETF (DFND) is a ETF from SRN Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFND returned +0.06% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, DFND is up 6.97% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, DFND compounded at +8.78% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.37% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +6.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.8% for DFND. 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 -22.6% for DFND 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DFND charges 1.75% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $175 vs $6 annually, a gap of $169 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFND currently yields 0.95% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DFND or SCHD?

DFND has an expense ratio of 1.75% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $169 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DFND or SCHD?

Over the past year DFND returned +0.06% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), DFND annualized +6.80% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DFND or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.8% for DFND. Worst drawdown: DFND -22.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both DFND and SCHD?

DFND and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, DFND or SCHD?

DFND yields 0.95% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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