DLS vs SCHD
WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DLS offers more diversification with 1,014 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DLS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.50% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 1,014 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.38% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.07% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.73% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.39% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DLS vs SCHD Performance
WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Fund (DLS) 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 DLS returned +18.07% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, DLS is up 11.38% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, DLS compounded at +18.73% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.39% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +3.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DLS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -66.0% for DLS 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DLS 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, DLS currently yields 3.50% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DLS and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 1035 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, DLS or SCHD?
DLS 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, DLS or SCHD?
Over the past year DLS returned +18.07% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DLS annualized +3.99% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DLS or SCHD?
DLS has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DLS -66.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DLS and SCHD?
DLS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DLS and SCHD?
DLS and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1035 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DLS or SCHD?
DLS yields 3.50% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so DLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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