IGRO vs SCHD
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IGRO offers more diversification with 584 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGRO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.62% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 584 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.17% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.60% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.62% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.80% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 17, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IGRO vs SCHD Performance
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) 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 IGRO returned +19.60% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, IGRO is up 11.17% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, IGRO compounded at +17.62% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.80% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGRO 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 -37.0% for IGRO 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGRO 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, IGRO currently yields 2.62% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
IGRO and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 624 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, IGRO or SCHD?
IGRO 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, IGRO or SCHD?
Over the past year IGRO returned +19.60% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IGRO annualized +8.03% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGRO or SCHD?
IGRO has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IGRO -37.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IGRO and SCHD?
IGRO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGRO and SCHD?
IGRO and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGRO or SCHD?
IGRO yields 2.62% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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