KEMX vs SCHD
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. KEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. KEMX offers more diversification with 281 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KEMX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $127M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.39% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 296 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +29.36% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.94% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.44% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.64% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | KraneShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2019 | Oct 20, 2011 |
KEMX vs SCHD Performance
KraneShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF (KEMX) is a ETF from KraneShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year KEMX returned +54.94% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, KEMX is up 29.36% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, KEMX compounded at +26.44% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.64% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, KEMX has the edge at +12.78% annualized vs +11.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -38.8% for KEMX 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KEMX charges 0.24% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $6 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KEMX currently yields 2.39% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
KEMX and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 381 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, KEMX or SCHD?
KEMX has an expense ratio of 0.24% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KEMX or SCHD?
Over the past year KEMX returned +54.94% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so KEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), KEMX annualized +12.78% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KEMX or SCHD?
KEMX has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: KEMX -38.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both KEMX and SCHD?
KEMX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KEMX and SCHD?
KEMX and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 381 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KEMX or SCHD?
KEMX yields 2.39% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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