EMSF vs SCHD
Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. EMSF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMSF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $43M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +31.17% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.72% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.52% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 21, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EMSF vs SCHD Performance
Matthews Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Active ETF (EMSF) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EMSF returned +44.72% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, EMSF is up 31.17% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, EMSF compounded at +17.52% per year against +15.40% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, EMSF has the edge at +17.52% annualized vs +11.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMSF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -24.8% for EMSF 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMSF charges 0.79% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $6 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMSF currently yields 1.30% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EMSF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 154 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, EMSF or SCHD?
EMSF has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMSF or SCHD?
Over the past year EMSF returned +44.72% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so EMSF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), EMSF annualized +17.52% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMSF or SCHD?
EMSF has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EMSF -24.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EMSF and SCHD?
EMSF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMSF and SCHD?
EMSF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 154 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMSF or SCHD?
EMSF yields 1.30% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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