EES vs SCHD
WisdomTree US SmallCap Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. EES offers more diversification with 903 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EES | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $737M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.14% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 903 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +22.66% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.59% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.74% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.94% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 23, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EES vs SCHD Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Fund (EES) 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 EES returned +29.59% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, EES is up 22.66% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, EES compounded at +16.74% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.94% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +7.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.3% 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 -64.5% for EES 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
EES 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, EES currently yields 1.14% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EES and SCHD share 23 holdings out of 931 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EES or SCHD?
EES 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, EES or SCHD?
Over the past year EES returned +29.59% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EES annualized +7.96% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EES or SCHD?
EES has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EES -64.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EES and SCHD?
EES 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 EES and SCHD?
EES and SCHD share 23 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 931 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EES or SCHD?
EES yields 1.14% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.