IJR vs SCHD
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IJR offers more diversification with 662 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $112.9B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.13% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 662 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +22.44% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.59% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.47% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.40% | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IJR vs SCHD Performance
iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (IJR) 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 IJR returned +30.59% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, IJR is up 22.44% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Over three years, IJR compounded at +16.47% per year against +16.97% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.40% and +10.47% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +9.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% compared with 13.7% 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 -58.9% for IJR 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
IJR charges 0.06% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $6 annually. On income, IJR currently yields 1.13% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
IJR and SCHD share 24 holdings out of 667 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJR or SCHD?
IJR has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SCHD charges 0.06%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJR or SCHD?
Over the past year IJR returned +30.59% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IJR annualized +9.21% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJR or SCHD?
IJR has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IJR -58.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IJR and SCHD?
IJR 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 IJR and SCHD?
IJR and SCHD share 24 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 667 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJR or SCHD?
IJR yields 1.13% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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