JOF vs SCHD
Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Inc vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. JOF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JOF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.47% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $240M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.92% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 91 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +19.25% | +28.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.44% | +32.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.20% | +17.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.72% | +10.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 1990 | Oct 20, 2011 |
JOF vs SCHD Performance
Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Inc (JOF) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year JOF returned +32.44% while SCHD returned +32.27%. Year to date, JOF is up 19.25% versus a gain of 28.70% for SCHD.
Over three years, JOF compounded at +28.20% per year against +17.27% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.72% and +10.23% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +1.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JOF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% 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 -70.0% for JOF 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JOF charges 1.47% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $147 vs $6 annually, a gap of $141 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JOF currently yields 15.92% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
JOF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 191 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, JOF or SCHD?
JOF has an expense ratio of 1.47% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $141 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JOF or SCHD?
Over the past year JOF returned +32.44% vs +32.27% for SCHD, so JOF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), JOF annualized +1.87% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JOF or SCHD?
JOF has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: JOF -70.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both JOF and SCHD?
JOF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JOF and SCHD?
JOF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 191 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JOF or SCHD?
JOF yields 15.92% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so JOF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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