EPOL vs SCHD
iShares MSCI Poland ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. EPOL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPOL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $675M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.81% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +22.17% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.36% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +36.42% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.76% | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2010 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EPOL vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI Poland ETF (EPOL) 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 EPOL returned +34.36% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, EPOL is up 22.17% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, EPOL compounded at +36.42% per year against +15.73% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +18.76% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +4.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.7% 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 -72.4% for EPOL 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPOL charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPOL currently yields 3.81% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EPOL and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 133 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, EPOL or SCHD?
EPOL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPOL or SCHD?
Over the past year EPOL returned +34.36% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so EPOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EPOL annualized +4.77% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPOL or SCHD?
EPOL has been the more volatile fund at 27.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EPOL -72.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EPOL and SCHD?
EPOL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPOL and SCHD?
EPOL and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 133 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPOL or SCHD?
EPOL yields 3.81% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so EPOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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