MEAR vs SCHD
iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active 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 | MEAR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 346 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.23% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.60% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.84% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.11% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 3, 2015 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MEAR vs SCHD Performance
iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF (MEAR) 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 MEAR returned +0.60% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, MEAR is down 0.23% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, MEAR compounded at +2.84% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.11% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +1.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 6.5% for MEAR. 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 -14.4% for MEAR 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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEAR charges 0.26% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $6 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEAR currently yields 2.84% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MEAR and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 175 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, MEAR or SCHD?
MEAR has an expense ratio of 0.26% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEAR or SCHD?
Over the past year MEAR returned +0.60% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), MEAR annualized +1.52% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEAR or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 6.5% for MEAR. Worst drawdown: MEAR -14.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MEAR and SCHD?
MEAR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEAR and SCHD?
MEAR and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEAR or SCHD?
MEAR yields 2.84% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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