IJK vs SCHD
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IJK offers more diversification with 247 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJK | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $10.9B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +19.56% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.94% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.22% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.46% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IJK vs SCHD Performance
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) 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 IJK returned +27.94% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, IJK is up 19.56% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, IJK compounded at +16.22% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.46% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -54.6% for IJK 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJK charges 0.17% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $6 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJK currently yields 0.52% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
IJK and SCHD share 9 holdings out of 338 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJK or SCHD?
IJK has an expense ratio of 0.17% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJK or SCHD?
Over the past year IJK returned +27.94% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IJK annualized +8.15% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJK or SCHD?
IJK has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IJK -54.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IJK and SCHD?
IJK and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJK and SCHD?
IJK and SCHD share 9 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 338 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJK or SCHD?
IJK yields 0.52% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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