DGS vs SCHD
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DGS offers more diversification with 1,009 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DGS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.93% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 1,009 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.02% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.54% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.02% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.58% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DGS vs SCHD Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DGS returned +17.54% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, DGS is up 12.02% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, DGS compounded at +14.02% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.58% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +2.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -61.9% for DGS 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DGS charges 0.58% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $6 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DGS currently yields 3.93% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DGS and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 1055 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, DGS or SCHD?
DGS has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DGS or SCHD?
Over the past year DGS returned +17.54% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DGS annualized +2.26% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DGS or SCHD?
DGS has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DGS -61.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DGS and SCHD?
DGS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DGS and SCHD?
DGS and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1055 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DGS or SCHD?
DGS yields 3.93% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so DGS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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