EWC vs SCHD
iShares MSCI Canada ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. EWC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $6.6B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 89 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +15.38% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.28% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.66% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.94% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EWC vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) 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 EWC returned +33.28% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, EWC is up 15.38% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, EWC compounded at +24.66% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.94% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +6.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -62.7% for EWC 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWC charges 0.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $6 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWC currently yields 1.26% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EWC and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 184 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, EWC or SCHD?
EWC has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWC or SCHD?
Over the past year EWC returned +33.28% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so EWC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EWC annualized +6.43% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWC or SCHD?
EWC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EWC -62.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EWC and SCHD?
EWC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWC and SCHD?
EWC and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 184 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWC or SCHD?
EWC yields 1.26% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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