EFAV vs SCHD
iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. EFAV offers more diversification with 250 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFAV | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $5.3B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 278 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +7.88% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.77% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.47% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.32% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EFAV vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EFAV returned +12.77% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, EFAV is up 7.88% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, EFAV compounded at +14.47% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.32% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +7.11%. 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 11.2% for EFAV. 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 -38.3% for EFAV 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFAV charges 0.20% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFAV currently yields 3.26% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EFAV and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 349 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EFAV | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.14% | 4.32% | 4.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFAV or SCHD?
EFAV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFAV or SCHD?
Over the past year EFAV returned +12.77% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EFAV annualized +7.11% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFAV or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 11.2% for EFAV. Worst drawdown: EFAV -38.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EFAV and SCHD?
EFAV and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFAV and SCHD?
EFAV and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 349 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFAV or SCHD?
EFAV yields 3.26% while SCHD yields 3.31%, 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.