DIVS vs SCHD
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder ETF 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIVS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $40M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.34% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.60% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.25% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.94% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2012 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DIVS vs SCHD Performance
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DIVS returned +17.60% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, DIVS is up 14.34% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, DIVS compounded at +14.25% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.94% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +11.39%. 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 12.9% for DIVS. 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 -20.7% for DIVS 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIVS charges 0.46% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $6 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVS currently yields 2.73% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DIVS and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 129 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVS or SCHD?
DIVS has an expense ratio of 0.46% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIVS or SCHD?
Over the past year DIVS returned +17.60% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DIVS annualized +11.39% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVS or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.9% for DIVS. Worst drawdown: DIVS -20.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DIVS and SCHD?
DIVS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIVS and SCHD?
DIVS and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 12.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVS or SCHD?
DIVS yields 2.73% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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