EMES vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. EMES delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: EMESMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEMESSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.65%0.06%
AUM$12M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.42%3.31%
Holdings60104
YTD Return+20.59%+25.62%
1Y Return+38.44%+32.62%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.58%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.63%
Volatility (annualized)21.0%13.6%
Max Drawdown-13.0%-33.4%
Fund FamilyHarbor FundsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 14, 2025Oct 20, 2011

EMES vs SCHD Performance

Harbor Emerging Markets Select ETF (EMES) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EMES returned +38.44% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, EMES is up 20.59% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EMES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -13.0% for EMES 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EMES charges 0.65% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $6 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMES currently yields 0.42% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

EMES and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 150 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, EMES or SCHD?

EMES has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EMES or SCHD?

Over the past year EMES returned +38.44% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so EMES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EMES annualized +30.62% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EMES or SCHD?

EMES has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EMES -13.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both EMES and SCHD?

EMES and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EMES and SCHD?

EMES and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 150 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EMES or SCHD?

EMES yields 0.42% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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