EMGF vs SCHD
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. EMGF delivered stronger 1-year returns. EMGF offers more diversification with 635 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMGF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.97% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 702 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +20.74% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.93% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.18% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2015 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EMGF vs SCHD Performance
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF (EMGF) 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 EMGF returned +33.93% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, EMGF is up 20.74% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, EMGF compounded at +24.18% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.24% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +10.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMGF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -40.2% for EMGF 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMGF charges 0.26% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $6 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMGF currently yields 1.97% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EMGF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 735 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, EMGF or SCHD?
EMGF has an expense ratio of 0.26% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMGF or SCHD?
Over the past year EMGF returned +33.93% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so EMGF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMGF annualized +10.43% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMGF or SCHD?
EMGF has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EMGF -40.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EMGF and SCHD?
EMGF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMGF and SCHD?
EMGF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 735 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMGF or SCHD?
EMGF yields 1.97% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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