EFAD vs SCHD
ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF 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 | EFAD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $62M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.64% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.08% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.07% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.33% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.84% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EFAD vs SCHD Performance
ProShares MSCI EAFE Dividend Growers ETF (EFAD) is a ETF from ProShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EFAD returned +8.07% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, EFAD is up 8.08% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, EFAD compounded at +8.33% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +0.84% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +3.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% 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 -35.7% for EFAD 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
EFAD charges 0.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $6 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFAD currently yields 2.64% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EFAD and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 175 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, EFAD or SCHD?
EFAD has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFAD or SCHD?
Over the past year EFAD returned +8.07% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), EFAD annualized +3.13% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFAD or SCHD?
EFAD has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EFAD -35.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EFAD and SCHD?
EFAD 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 EFAD and SCHD?
EFAD and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFAD or SCHD?
EFAD yields 2.64% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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