EMDM vs SCHD
First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. EMDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. EMDM offers more diversification with 110 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMDM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $39M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.89% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +26.45% | +26.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.91% | +31.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.26% | +16.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EMDM vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Emerging Market Democracies ETF (EMDM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EMDM returned +60.91% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, EMDM is up 26.45% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.
Over three years, EMDM compounded at +30.26% per year against +16.34% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, EMDM has the edge at +26.37% annualized vs +11.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -18.8% for EMDM 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMDM charges 0.75% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $6 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMDM currently yields 2.89% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EMDM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 199 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, EMDM or SCHD?
EMDM has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMDM or SCHD?
Over the past year EMDM returned +60.91% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so EMDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EMDM annualized +26.37% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMDM or SCHD?
EMDM has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EMDM -18.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EMDM and SCHD?
EMDM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMDM and SCHD?
EMDM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 199 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMDM or SCHD?
EMDM yields 2.89% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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