KDEF vs SCHD
KDEF vs SCHD
PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index 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 | KDEF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $100M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.56% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -5.91% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.12% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 56.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | PLUS ETF | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
KDEF vs SCHD Performance
PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) is a ETF from PLUS ETF and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year KDEF returned +6.12% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, KDEF is down 5.91% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 56.6% 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 -48.6% for KDEF 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KDEF charges 0.65% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $6 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KDEF currently yields 5.56% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
KDEF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 120 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, KDEF or SCHD?
KDEF has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KDEF or SCHD?
Over the past year KDEF returned +6.12% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KDEF annualized +65.73% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KDEF or SCHD?
KDEF has been the more volatile fund at 56.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: KDEF -48.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both KDEF and SCHD?
KDEF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KDEF and SCHD?
KDEF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 120 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KDEF or SCHD?
KDEF yields 5.56% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so KDEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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