DIAL vs SCHD
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DIAL offers more diversification with 686 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIAL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $390M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.12% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 686 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.86% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.56% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.15% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.36% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 12, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DIAL vs SCHD Performance
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DIAL returned +3.56% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, DIAL is up 0.86% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, DIAL compounded at +6.15% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +0.36% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +1.21%. 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 7.4% for DIAL. 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 -22.2% for DIAL 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIAL charges 0.29% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $6 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIAL currently yields 5.12% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DIAL and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 514 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, DIAL or SCHD?
DIAL has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIAL or SCHD?
Over the past year DIAL returned +3.56% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DIAL annualized +1.21% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIAL or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.4% for DIAL. Worst drawdown: DIAL -22.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DIAL and SCHD?
DIAL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIAL and SCHD?
DIAL and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIAL or SCHD?
DIAL yields 5.12% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so DIAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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