MNA vs SCHD
NYLIM Merger Arbitrage ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, MNA or SCHD?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y, 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 | MNA | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $259M | $119.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.96% |
| Holdings | 159 | 204 |
| YTD Return | +2.45% | +29.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.97% | +37.26%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.09% | +19.10%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.74% | +9.87%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6%Best | 13.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -16.7%Best | -33.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,447 | $16,010Best |
| Fund Family | New York Life Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 20, 2011 to Nov 6, 2026 (15 years).
MNA 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 15 years both funds cover.
MNA vs SCHD Performance
NYLIM Merger Arbitrage ETF (MNA) is an ETF from New York Life Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MNA returned +2.97% while SCHD returned +37.26%. Year to date, MNA is up 2.45% versus a gain of 29.95% for SCHD.
Over three years, MNA compounded at +6.09% per year against +19.10% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.74% and +9.87% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.52% annualized vs +3.15%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.9% compared with 4.6% for MNA. 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 -16.7% for MNA 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 0.33. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MNA charges 0.78% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $6 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MNA currently yields 0.00% against 2.96% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 49 holdings in MNA and 98 in SCHD, totalling 93.6% and 99.8% 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 49 positions we hold weights for in MNA and 98 in SCHD, against full books of 159 and 204.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MNA 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, MNA or SCHD?
MNA has an expense ratio of 0.78% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $72 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MNA or SCHD?
Over the past year MNA returned +2.97% vs +37.26% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), MNA annualized +3.15% vs +11.52% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MNA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.9% annualized versus 4.6% for MNA. Worst drawdown: MNA -16.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MNA and SCHD?
MNA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, 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, MNA or SCHD?
MNA yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 2.96%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than MNA?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.