MFSI vs SCHD
MFS Active International 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFSI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 97 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.39% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.99% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MFSI vs SCHD Performance
MFS Active International ETF (MFSI) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MFSI returned +16.99% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, MFSI is up 8.39% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 10.1% for MFSI. 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 -13.7% for MFSI 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFSI charges 0.59% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $6 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFSI currently yields 0.75% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MFSI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 191 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, MFSI or SCHD?
MFSI has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFSI or SCHD?
Over the past year MFSI returned +16.99% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MFSI annualized +18.30% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFSI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 10.1% for MFSI. Worst drawdown: MFSI -13.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MFSI and SCHD?
MFSI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MFSI and SCHD?
MFSI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 191 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFSI or SCHD?
MFSI yields 0.75% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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