HDEF vs SCHD
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. HDEF offers more diversification with 123 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HDEF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.68% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 123 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.31% | +26.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.72% | +31.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.25% | +16.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.84% | +10.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 12, 2015 | Oct 20, 2011 |
HDEF vs SCHD Performance
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year HDEF returned +17.72% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, HDEF is up 11.31% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.
Over three years, HDEF compounded at +19.25% per year against +16.34% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.84% and +10.10% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +5.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% 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 -38.2% for HDEF 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
HDEF charges 0.09% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HDEF currently yields 3.68% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
HDEF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 213 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, HDEF or SCHD?
HDEF has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HDEF or SCHD?
Over the past year HDEF returned +17.72% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), HDEF annualized +5.42% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HDEF or SCHD?
HDEF has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: HDEF -38.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both HDEF and SCHD?
HDEF 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 HDEF and SCHD?
HDEF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 213 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HDEF or SCHD?
HDEF yields 3.68% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so HDEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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