EIRL vs SCHD
iShares MSCI Ireland 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 | EIRL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $79M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.67% | +25.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.40% | +30.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.61% | +16.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.67% | +9.64% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 5, 2010 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EIRL vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) 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 EIRL returned +24.40% while SCHD returned +30.41%. Year to date, EIRL is up 13.67% versus a gain of 25.69% for SCHD.
Over three years, EIRL compounded at +16.61% per year against +16.03% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.67% and +9.64% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +9.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EIRL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -48.3% for EIRL 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EIRL 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, EIRL currently yields 2.36% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EIRL and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 126 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, EIRL or SCHD?
EIRL 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, EIRL or SCHD?
Over the past year EIRL returned +24.40% vs +30.41% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EIRL annualized +9.36% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EIRL or SCHD?
EIRL has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EIRL -48.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EIRL and SCHD?
EIRL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EIRL and SCHD?
EIRL and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EIRL or SCHD?
EIRL yields 2.36% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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