MFEM vs SCHD
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, MFEM or SCHD?
Each has led over a different period.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. MFEM led over 1Y and 3Y, SCHD over 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFEM | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $159M | $112.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.39% | 3.13% |
| Holdings | 701 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +26.54% | +27.56%Best |
| 1Y Return | +39.60%Best | +30.29% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.21%Best | +16.37% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.69% | +10.23%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 16.0%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -45.3% | -33.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,169 | $16,274Best |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 6, 2017 to Sep 4, 2026 (9 years).
MFEM vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 9 years both funds cover.
MFEM vs SCHD Performance
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Emerging Markets Equity ETF (MFEM) is an ETF from PIMCO (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MFEM returned +39.60% while SCHD returned +30.29%. Year to date, MFEM is up 26.54% versus a gain of 27.56% for SCHD.
Over three years, MFEM compounded at +21.21% per year against +16.37% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.69% and +10.23% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.94% annualized vs +7.26%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 16.0% 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 -45.3% for MFEM and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.69. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFEM charges 0.49% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $6 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFEM currently yields 2.39% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 503 holdings in MFEM and 100 in SCHD, totalling 79.2% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 503 positions we hold weights for in MFEM and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 701 and 103.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MFEM and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFEM or SCHD?
MFEM has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $43 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MFEM or SCHD?
Over the past year MFEM returned +39.60% vs +30.29% for SCHD, so MFEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), MFEM annualized +7.26% vs +11.94% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MFEM or SCHD?
MFEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 16.0% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MFEM -45.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MFEM and SCHD?
MFEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFEM or SCHD?
MFEM yields 2.39% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than MFEM?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. MFEM led over 1Y and 3Y, SCHD over 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.