ISHG vs SCHD
iShares 1-3 Year International Treasury Bond ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISHG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $825M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 192 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.47% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.59% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.18% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.01% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 21, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ISHG vs SCHD Performance
iShares 1-3 Year International Treasury Bond ETF (ISHG) 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 ISHG returned +1.59% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, ISHG is up 0.47% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, ISHG compounded at +5.18% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -0.01% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs -0.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 7.6% for ISHG. 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 -37.6% for ISHG 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISHG charges 0.35% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $6 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISHG currently yields 1.47% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ISHG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 110 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, ISHG or SCHD?
ISHG has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISHG or SCHD?
Over the past year ISHG returned +1.59% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ISHG annualized -0.47% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISHG or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.6% for ISHG. Worst drawdown: ISHG -37.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ISHG and SCHD?
ISHG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISHG and SCHD?
ISHG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 110 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISHG or SCHD?
ISHG yields 1.47% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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