EFRA vs SCHD
iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFRA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $6M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.07% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +7.85% | +26.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.89% | +31.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.48% | +16.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EFRA vs SCHD Performance
iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF (EFRA) 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 EFRA returned +9.89% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, EFRA is up 7.85% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.
Over three years, EFRA compounded at +12.48% per year against +16.34% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, EFRA has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +11.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFRA 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 -17.9% for EFRA 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFRA charges 0.47% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $6 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFRA currently yields 4.07% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EFRA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 180 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, EFRA or SCHD?
EFRA has an expense ratio of 0.47% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFRA or SCHD?
Over the past year EFRA returned +9.89% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EFRA annualized +13.56% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFRA or SCHD?
EFRA has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EFRA -17.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EFRA and SCHD?
EFRA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFRA and SCHD?
EFRA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 180 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFRA or SCHD?
EFRA yields 4.07% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so EFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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