EZA vs SCHD
iShares MSCI South Africa 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EZA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $559M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.88% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.56% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.28% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.29% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.91% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2003 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EZA vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA) 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 EZA returned +26.28% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, EZA is down 0.56% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, EZA compounded at +26.29% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.91% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +6.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EZA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -68.2% for EZA 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EZA 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, EZA currently yields 7.88% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EZA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 128 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, EZA or SCHD?
EZA 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, EZA or SCHD?
Over the past year EZA returned +26.28% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EZA annualized +6.49% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EZA or SCHD?
EZA has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EZA -68.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EZA and SCHD?
EZA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EZA and SCHD?
EZA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EZA or SCHD?
EZA yields 7.88% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so EZA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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