EFAX vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. EFAX offers more diversification with 671 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: EFAX

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEFAXSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.20%0.06%
AUM$518M$108.7B
Dividend Yield3.12%3.13%
Holdings671104
YTD Return+12.31%+26.54%
1Y Return+20.24%+30.90%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.69%+16.29%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.53%+9.65%
Volatility (annualized)15.3%13.6%
Max Drawdown-36.2%-33.4%
Fund FamilySPDR State Street Global AdvisorsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 24, 2016Oct 20, 2011

EFAX vs SCHD Performance

State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (EFAX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EFAX returned +20.24% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, EFAX is up 12.31% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.

Over three years, EFAX compounded at +18.69% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.53% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +8.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EFAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -36.2% for EFAX 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EFAX 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, EFAX currently yields 3.12% against 3.13% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

EFAX and SCHD share 2 holdings out of 727 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in EFAXWeight in SCHDDifference
ADP0.02%2.72%2.70%
GVMXX0.05%0.05%0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EFAX or SCHD?

EFAX 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, EFAX or SCHD?

Over the past year EFAX returned +20.24% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EFAX annualized +8.24% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EFAX or SCHD?

EFAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EFAX -36.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both EFAX and SCHD?

EFAX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EFAX and SCHD?

EFAX and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 727 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EFAX or SCHD?

EFAX yields 3.12% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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