MUC vs SCHD
BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc 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 | MUC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.82% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.40% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 213 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +3.72% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.27% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.38% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.98% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 1998 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MUC vs SCHD Performance
BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc (MUC) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MUC returned +10.27% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, MUC is up 3.72% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, MUC compounded at +6.38% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -2.98% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs -0.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 12.8% for MUC. 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 -56.6% for MUC 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUC charges 2.82% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $282 vs $6 annually, a gap of $276 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUC currently yields 5.40% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MUC and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 184 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, MUC or SCHD?
MUC has an expense ratio of 2.82% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $276 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUC or SCHD?
Over the past year MUC returned +10.27% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), MUC annualized -0.21% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUC or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.8% for MUC. Worst drawdown: MUC -56.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MUC and SCHD?
MUC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUC and SCHD?
MUC and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 184 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUC or SCHD?
MUC yields 5.40% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so MUC 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.