DIA vs SCHD
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $44.9B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.38% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.09% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.49% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.96% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.56% | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 14, 1998 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DIA vs SCHD Performance
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DIA returned +21.49% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, DIA is up 12.09% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, DIA compounded at +16.96% per year against +15.73% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.56% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +7.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DIA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -53.8% for DIA 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIA charges 0.16% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $6 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIA currently yields 1.38% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIA or SCHD?
DIA has an expense ratio of 0.16% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIA or SCHD?
Over the past year DIA returned +21.49% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DIA annualized +7.32% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIA or SCHD?
DIA has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DIA -53.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DIA and SCHD?
DIA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DIA and SCHD?
DIA and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIA or SCHD?
DIA yields 1.38% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.