EWY vs SCHD
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. EWY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWY | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $23.1B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 84 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +59.58% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +128.38% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.58% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.27% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 9, 2000 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EWY vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) 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 EWY returned +128.38% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, EWY is up 59.58% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, EWY compounded at +40.58% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +15.27% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +10.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.4% 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 -74.0% for EWY 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWY charges 0.59% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $6 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWY currently yields 1.01% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EWY and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 179 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, EWY or SCHD?
EWY has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWY or SCHD?
Over the past year EWY returned +128.38% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so EWY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EWY annualized +10.04% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWY or SCHD?
EWY has been the more volatile fund at 30.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EWY -74.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EWY and SCHD?
EWY and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWY and SCHD?
EWY and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 179 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWY or SCHD?
EWY yields 1.01% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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