MDST vs SCHD
Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income 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 | MDST | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $285M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.20% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 118 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +16.66% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.87% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Westwood Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 8, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MDST vs SCHD Performance
Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) is a ETF from Westwood Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MDST returned +20.87% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, MDST is up 16.66% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.8% for MDST. 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 -14.2% for MDST 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
MDST charges 0.80% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $6 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDST currently yields 10.20% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MDST and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 121 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MDST | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKE | 4.99% | 1.50% | 3.49% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MDST or SCHD?
MDST has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDST or SCHD?
Over the past year MDST returned +20.87% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MDST annualized +18.27% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDST or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.8% for MDST. Worst drawdown: MDST -14.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MDST and SCHD?
MDST 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 MDST and SCHD?
MDST and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDST or SCHD?
MDST yields 10.20% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so MDST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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