EEA vs SCHD
The European Equity Fund, Inc. vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $90M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.00% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.71% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.78% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.12% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.13% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | DWS ETF Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 1986 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EEA vs SCHD Performance
The European Equity Fund, Inc. (EEA) is a ETF from DWS ETF Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EEA returned +15.78% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, EEA is up 9.71% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, EEA compounded at +15.12% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.13% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +1.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.0% 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 -82.4% for EEA 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.
Holdings Overlap
EEA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 159 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, EEA or SCHD?
Over the past year EEA returned +15.78% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EEA annualized +1.18% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEA or SCHD?
EEA has been the more volatile fund at 24.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EEA -82.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EEA and SCHD?
EEA 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 EEA and SCHD?
EEA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 159 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEA or SCHD?
EEA yields 3.00% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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