IEI vs SCHD
iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond 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 | IEI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $17.7B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.67% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.04% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.84% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.40% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.27% | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.9% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IEI vs SCHD Performance
iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEI) 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 IEI returned +1.84% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, IEI is down 0.04% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Over three years, IEI compounded at +4.40% per year against +16.97% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +0.27% and +10.47% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +1.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 3.9% for IEI. 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 -15.0% for IEI 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEI charges 0.15% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $6 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEI currently yields 3.67% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
IEI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 162 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, IEI or SCHD?
IEI has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEI or SCHD?
Over the past year IEI returned +1.84% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IEI annualized +1.50% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 3.9% for IEI. Worst drawdown: IEI -15.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IEI and SCHD?
IEI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEI and SCHD?
IEI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 162 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEI or SCHD?
IEI yields 3.67% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so IEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.