KSA vs SCHD
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. KSA offers more diversification with 118 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KSA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $625M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +4.59% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.96% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.44% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.91% | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2015 | Oct 20, 2011 |
KSA vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year KSA returned +3.96% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, KSA is up 4.59% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, KSA compounded at +0.44% per year against +15.73% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +0.91% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +2.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -65.5% for KSA 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KSA charges 0.75% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $6 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KSA currently yields 2.77% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
KSA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 218 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, KSA or SCHD?
KSA has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KSA or SCHD?
Over the past year KSA returned +3.96% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), KSA annualized +2.19% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KSA or SCHD?
KSA has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: KSA -65.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both KSA and SCHD?
KSA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KSA and SCHD?
KSA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 218 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KSA or SCHD?
KSA yields 2.77% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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