EFR vs SCHD
Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. EFR offers more diversification with 511 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.17% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $374M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.72% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 511 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.32% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.95% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.63% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.29% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2003 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EFR vs SCHD Performance
Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (EFR) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EFR returned -0.95% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, EFR is up 1.32% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, EFR compounded at +5.63% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +3.29% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs -0.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -66.8% for EFR 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFR charges 5.17% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $517 vs $6 annually, a gap of $511 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFR currently yields 7.72% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EFR and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 280 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, EFR or SCHD?
EFR has an expense ratio of 5.17% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $511 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFR or SCHD?
Over the past year EFR returned -0.95% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EFR annualized -0.60% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFR or SCHD?
EFR has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EFR -66.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EFR and SCHD?
EFR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFR and SCHD?
EFR and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 280 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFR or SCHD?
EFR yields 7.72% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so EFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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