EMXC vs SCHD
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. EMXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. EMXC offers more diversification with 581 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMXC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $23.5B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.88% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 644 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +27.95% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +51.64% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.21% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.31% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EMXC vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) 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 EMXC returned +51.64% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, EMXC is up 27.95% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, EMXC compounded at +25.21% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.31% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +7.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMXC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -46.1% for EMXC 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMXC charges 0.25% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $6 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMXC currently yields 1.88% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EMXC and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 681 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, EMXC or SCHD?
EMXC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMXC or SCHD?
Over the past year EMXC returned +51.64% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so EMXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMXC annualized +7.41% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMXC or SCHD?
EMXC has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EMXC -46.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EMXC and SCHD?
EMXC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMXC and SCHD?
EMXC and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 681 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMXC or SCHD?
EMXC yields 1.88% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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