MORT vs SCHD
VanEck Mortgage REIT Income 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 | MORT | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $375M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.75% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 28 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.11% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.81% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.18% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.05% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 16, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MORT vs SCHD Performance
VanEck Mortgage REIT Income ETF (MORT) is a ETF from VanEck and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MORT returned +8.81% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, MORT is down 0.11% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, MORT compounded at +7.18% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -1.05% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs -1.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MORT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% compared with 13.6% 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 -75.0% for MORT 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MORT charges 0.43% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $6 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MORT currently yields 12.75% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MORT and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 125 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, MORT or SCHD?
MORT has an expense ratio of 0.43% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MORT or SCHD?
Over the past year MORT returned +8.81% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), MORT annualized -1.93% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MORT or SCHD?
MORT has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MORT -75.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MORT and SCHD?
MORT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MORT and SCHD?
MORT and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MORT or SCHD?
MORT yields 12.75% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so MORT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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