MDY vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. MDY offers more diversification with 398 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: MDY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMDYSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.23%0.06%
AUM$26.7B$103.7B
Dividend Yield1.00%3.31%
Holdings401104
YTD Return+16.58%+24.26%
1Y Return+25.55%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+14.55%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.84%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)17.9%13.6%
Max Drawdown-56.3%-33.4%
Fund FamilySPDR State Street Global AdvisorsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 4, 1995Oct 20, 2011

MDY vs SCHD Performance

State Street SPDR S&P MIDCAP 400 ETF Trust (MDY) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MDY returned +25.55% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, MDY is up 16.58% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, MDY compounded at +14.55% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.84% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +9.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MDY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -56.3% for MDY 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MDY charges 0.23% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $6 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDY currently yields 1.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

3.6%overlap

MDY and SCHD share 17 holdings out of 481 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in MDYWeight in SCHDDifference
EWBC0.50%0.47%0.03%
WSO0.38%0.34%0.04%
FNF0.34%0.33%0.01%
DINOProProPro
AFGProProPro
COLBProProPro
ORIProProPro
ALVProProPro
BAHProProPro
MProProPro
See all 10 holdings MDY shares with SCHD
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MDY or SCHD?

MDY has an expense ratio of 0.23% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MDY or SCHD?

Over the past year MDY returned +25.55% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), MDY annualized +9.77% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MDY or SCHD?

MDY has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MDY -56.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both MDY and SCHD?

MDY and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MDY and SCHD?

MDY and SCHD share 17 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 481 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MDY or SCHD?

MDY yields 1.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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