IJJ vs SCHD
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IJJ offers more diversification with 309 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJJ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $8.8B | $112.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.58% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 309 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | +11.12% | +28.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.62% | +30.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +16.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.19% | +10.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IJJ vs SCHD Performance
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) 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 IJJ returned +14.62% while SCHD returned +30.37%. Year to date, IJJ is up 11.12% versus a gain of 28.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, IJJ compounded at +13.27% per year against +16.64% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.19% and +10.04% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.58% annualized vs +8.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -59.6% for IJJ 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJJ charges 0.18% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $6 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJJ currently yields 1.58% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
IJJ and SCHD share 17 holdings out of 381 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJJ or SCHD?
IJJ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJJ or SCHD?
Over the past year IJJ returned +14.62% vs +30.37% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IJJ annualized +8.78% vs +11.58% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJJ or SCHD?
IJJ has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IJJ -59.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IJJ and SCHD?
IJJ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJJ and SCHD?
IJJ and SCHD share 17 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 381 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJJ or SCHD?
IJJ yields 1.58% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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