DTF vs SCHD
DTF vs SCHD
DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund Inc 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 | DTF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.27% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $84M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.24% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +3.30% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.53% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.69% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.52% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 1991 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DTF vs SCHD Performance
DTF Tax-Free Income 2028 Term Fund Inc (DTF) is a ETF from Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DTF returned +5.53% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, DTF is up 3.30% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, DTF compounded at +5.69% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -1.52% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs -0.34%. 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 10.2% for DTF. 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 -48.4% for DTF 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DTF charges 2.27% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $227 vs $6 annually, a gap of $221 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DTF currently yields 3.24% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DTF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 124 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, DTF or SCHD?
DTF has an expense ratio of 2.27% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $221 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DTF or SCHD?
Over the past year DTF returned +5.53% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DTF annualized -0.34% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DTF or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.2% for DTF. Worst drawdown: DTF -48.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DTF and SCHD?
DTF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DTF and SCHD?
DTF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 124 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DTF or SCHD?
DTF yields 3.24% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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