MUNA vs SCHD
MUNA vs SCHD
Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder 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 | MUNA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $9M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.66% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 143 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.92% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.53% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MUNA vs SCHD Performance
Northern Trust 2030 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNA) is a ETF from Northern Trust Asset Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MUNA returned +1.53% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, MUNA is up 0.92% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 1.2% for MUNA. 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 -1.4% for MUNA 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUNA charges 0.18% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $6 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MUNA currently yields 1.66% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MUNA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 109 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, MUNA or SCHD?
MUNA has an expense ratio of 0.18% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MUNA or SCHD?
Over the past year MUNA returned +1.53% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUNA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 1.2% for MUNA. Worst drawdown: MUNA -1.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MUNA and SCHD?
MUNA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUNA and SCHD?
MUNA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 109 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUNA or SCHD?
MUNA yields 1.66% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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