ISMD vs SCHD
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. ISMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISMD offers more diversification with 504 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISMD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $349M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 504 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +30.36% | +25.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.64% | +30.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.96% | +16.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.46% | +9.64% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ISMD vs SCHD Performance
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF (ISMD) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ISMD returned +35.64% while SCHD returned +30.41%. Year to date, ISMD is up 30.36% versus a gain of 25.69% for SCHD.
Over three years, ISMD compounded at +17.96% per year against +16.03% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.46% and +9.64% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +9.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -45.5% for ISMD 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISMD charges 0.57% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $6 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISMD currently yields 1.12% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ISMD and SCHD share 13 holdings out of 585 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISMD or SCHD?
ISMD has an expense ratio of 0.57% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISMD or SCHD?
Over the past year ISMD returned +35.64% vs +30.41% for SCHD, so ISMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ISMD annualized +9.47% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISMD or SCHD?
ISMD has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ISMD -45.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ISMD and SCHD?
ISMD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISMD and SCHD?
ISMD and SCHD share 13 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 585 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISMD or SCHD?
ISMD yields 1.12% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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