DON vs SCHD
WisdomTree US MidCap Dividend Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DON offers more diversification with 293 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DON | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.30% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.20% | +27.93% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.00% | +30.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.10% | +16.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.81% | +10.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DON vs SCHD Performance
WisdomTree US MidCap Dividend Fund (DON) 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 DON returned +12.00% while SCHD returned +30.06%. Year to date, DON is up 12.20% versus a gain of 27.93% for SCHD.
Over three years, DON compounded at +13.10% per year against +16.25% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.81% and +10.03% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.56% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DON has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -64.4% for DON 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DON charges 0.38% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $6 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DON currently yields 2.30% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DON and SCHD share 21 holdings out of 374 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DON or SCHD?
DON has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DON or SCHD?
Over the past year DON returned +12.00% vs +30.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DON annualized +7.03% vs +11.56% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DON or SCHD?
DON has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DON -64.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DON and SCHD?
DON and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DON and SCHD?
DON and SCHD share 21 common holdings with a 4.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 374 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DON or SCHD?
DON yields 2.30% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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