MUNB vs SCHD
MUNB vs SCHD
Northern Trust 2035 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 | MUNB | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $14M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 231 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.22% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.17% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Northern Trust Asset Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MUNB vs SCHD Performance
Northern Trust 2035 Tax-Exempt Distributing Ladder ETF (MUNB) 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 MUNB returned +2.17% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, MUNB is up 0.22% 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 3.3% for MUNB. 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 -2.5% for MUNB 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MUNB 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, MUNB currently yields 1.79% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MUNB and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 119 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, MUNB or SCHD?
MUNB 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, MUNB or SCHD?
Over the past year MUNB returned +2.17% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MUNB or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 3.3% for MUNB. Worst drawdown: MUNB -2.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MUNB and SCHD?
MUNB and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MUNB and SCHD?
MUNB and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MUNB or SCHD?
MUNB yields 1.79% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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