ICF vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricICFSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.32%0.06%
AUM$2.1B$103.7B
Dividend Yield2.46%3.31%
Holdings34104
YTD Return+15.58%+24.26%
1Y Return+16.05%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.45%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+2.54%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)21.3%13.6%
Max Drawdown-78.8%-33.4%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Charles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 29, 2001Oct 20, 2011

ICF vs SCHD Performance

iShares Select US REIT ETF (ICF) 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 ICF returned +16.05% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, ICF is up 15.58% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, ICF compounded at +10.45% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.54% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +5.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ICF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 -78.8% for ICF 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ICF charges 0.32% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $6 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICF currently yields 2.46% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

ICF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 131 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, ICF or SCHD?

ICF has an expense ratio of 0.32% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ICF or SCHD?

Over the past year ICF returned +16.05% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ICF annualized +5.51% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ICF or SCHD?

ICF has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ICF -78.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both ICF and SCHD?

ICF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ICF and SCHD?

ICF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ICF or SCHD?

ICF yields 2.46% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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