NFRA vs SCHD
FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. NFRA offers more diversification with 181 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NFRA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.78% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 217 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.94% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.18% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.85% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 8, 2013 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NFRA vs SCHD Performance
FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NFRA returned +12.18% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, NFRA is up 8.94% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, NFRA compounded at +12.89% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +5.85% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +5.36%. 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 12.6% for NFRA. 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 -32.9% for NFRA 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFRA charges 0.47% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $6 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFRA currently yields 5.78% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NFRA and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 278 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFRA or SCHD?
NFRA has an expense ratio of 0.47% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFRA or SCHD?
Over the past year NFRA returned +12.18% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), NFRA annualized +5.36% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFRA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.6% for NFRA. Worst drawdown: NFRA -32.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NFRA and SCHD?
NFRA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFRA and SCHD?
NFRA and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 4.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 278 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFRA or SCHD?
NFRA yields 5.78% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so NFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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