IHF vs SCHD
iShares US Health Care Providers ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. IHF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IHF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 64 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +18.92% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.12% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.20% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.55% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IHF vs SCHD Performance
iShares US Health Care Providers ETF (IHF) 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 IHF returned +36.12% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, IHF is up 18.92% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, IHF compounded at +4.20% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.55% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +9.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IHF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -58.8% for IHF 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IHF charges 0.38% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $6 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IHF currently yields 0.95% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
IHF and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 160 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IHF | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 21.48% | 4.54% | 16.94% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IHF or SCHD?
IHF has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IHF or SCHD?
Over the past year IHF returned +36.12% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so IHF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IHF annualized +9.36% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IHF or SCHD?
IHF has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IHF -58.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IHF and SCHD?
IHF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IHF and SCHD?
IHF and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 160 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IHF or SCHD?
IHF yields 0.95% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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