EWU vs SCHD
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWU | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $4.0B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.27% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.63% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.36% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.79% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.04% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EWU vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) 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 EWU returned +23.36% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, EWU is up 10.63% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, EWU compounded at +18.79% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.04% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +2.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -66.9% for EWU 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWU 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, EWU currently yields 3.27% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EWU and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 168 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, EWU or SCHD?
EWU 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, EWU or SCHD?
Over the past year EWU returned +23.36% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EWU annualized +2.91% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWU or SCHD?
EWU has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EWU -66.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EWU and SCHD?
EWU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWU and SCHD?
EWU and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 168 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWU or SCHD?
EWU yields 3.27% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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