ICLN vs SCHD
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. ICLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. ICLN offers more diversification with 105 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICLN | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 152 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +7.95% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.10% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.94% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.72% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2008 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ICLN vs SCHD Performance
iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) 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 ICLN returned +35.10% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, ICLN is up 7.95% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, ICLN compounded at +4.94% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -2.72% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs -5.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.9% 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 -88.3% for ICLN 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICLN charges 0.39% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $6 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICLN currently yields 0.90% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ICLN and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 204 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ICLN | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CWEN | 1.58% | 0.11% | 1.47% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICLN or SCHD?
ICLN has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICLN or SCHD?
Over the past year ICLN returned +35.10% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so ICLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ICLN annualized -5.21% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICLN or SCHD?
ICLN has been the more volatile fund at 30.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ICLN -88.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ICLN and SCHD?
ICLN and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICLN and SCHD?
ICLN and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 204 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICLN or SCHD?
ICLN yields 0.90% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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