EMCS vs SCHD
Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Select ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. EMCS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMCS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $989M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 67 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +23.44% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.02% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.15% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.57% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EMCS vs SCHD Performance
Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Select ETF (EMCS) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EMCS returned +44.02% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, EMCS is up 23.44% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, EMCS compounded at +26.15% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.57% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +9.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -44.9% for EMCS 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMCS charges 0.15% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $6 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMCS currently yields 1.61% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EMCS and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 163 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, EMCS or SCHD?
EMCS has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMCS or SCHD?
Over the past year EMCS returned +44.02% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so EMCS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), EMCS annualized +9.96% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMCS or SCHD?
EMCS has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EMCS -44.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EMCS and SCHD?
EMCS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMCS and SCHD?
EMCS and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 163 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMCS or SCHD?
EMCS yields 1.61% while SCHD yields 3.13%, 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.