KOKU vs SCHD
Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. KOKU offers more diversification with 1,144 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KOKU | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $819M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 1,144 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.80% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.34% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.53% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.25% | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
KOKU vs SCHD Performance
Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year KOKU returned +21.34% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, KOKU is up 12.80% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Over three years, KOKU compounded at +21.53% per year against +16.97% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.25% and +10.47% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, KOKU has the edge at +18.19% annualized vs +11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KOKU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -25.8% for KOKU 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KOKU charges 0.09% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KOKU currently yields 1.43% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
KOKU and SCHD share 45 holdings out of 1164 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KOKU or SCHD?
KOKU has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KOKU or SCHD?
Over the past year KOKU returned +21.34% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), KOKU annualized +18.19% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KOKU or SCHD?
KOKU has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: KOKU -25.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both KOKU and SCHD?
KOKU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KOKU and SCHD?
KOKU and SCHD share 45 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1164 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KOKU or SCHD?
KOKU yields 1.43% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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