DFSI vs SCHD
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFSI offers more diversification with 2,762 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFSI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $112.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.18% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 2,762 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | +10.76% | +27.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.88% | +29.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.88% | +16.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 2008 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DFSI vs SCHD Performance
Dimensional International Sustainability Core 1 ETF (DFSI) is a ETF from Dimensional and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFSI returned +20.88% while SCHD returned +29.93%. Year to date, DFSI is up 10.76% versus a gain of 27.89% for SCHD.
Over three years, DFSI compounded at +18.88% per year against +16.13% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, DFSI has the edge at +20.86% annualized vs +11.56%. 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 13.2% for DFSI. 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 -12.8% for DFSI 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFSI charges 0.24% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $6 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFSI currently yields 2.18% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DFSI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 2830 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, DFSI or SCHD?
DFSI has an expense ratio of 0.24% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFSI or SCHD?
Over the past year DFSI returned +20.88% vs +29.93% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFSI annualized +20.86% vs +11.56% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFSI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 13.2% for DFSI. Worst drawdown: DFSI -12.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DFSI and SCHD?
DFSI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFSI and SCHD?
DFSI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2830 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFSI or SCHD?
DFSI yields 2.18% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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