MFUS vs SCHD
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor US Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. MFUS offers more diversification with 884 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFUS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $312M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.38% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 884 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +17.50% | +28.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.54% | +31.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.12% | +16.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.86% | +10.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MFUS vs SCHD Performance
PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor US Equity ETF (MFUS) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MFUS returned +23.54% while SCHD returned +31.07%. Year to date, MFUS is up 17.50% versus a gain of 28.70% for SCHD.
Over three years, MFUS compounded at +21.12% per year against +16.88% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.86% and +10.20% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, MFUS has the edge at +12.68% annualized vs +11.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MFUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 13.7% 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 -35.2% for MFUS 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFUS charges 0.29% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $6 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFUS currently yields 1.38% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MFUS and SCHD share 57 holdings out of 836 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFUS or SCHD?
MFUS has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFUS or SCHD?
Over the past year MFUS returned +23.54% vs +31.07% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), MFUS annualized +12.68% vs +11.62% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFUS or SCHD?
MFUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MFUS -35.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MFUS and SCHD?
MFUS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between MFUS and SCHD?
MFUS and SCHD share 57 common holdings with a 14.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 836 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFUS or SCHD?
MFUS yields 1.38% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.