QEMM vs SCHD
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets StrategicFactors ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. QEMM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QEMM offers more diversification with 795 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QEMM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $54M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.96% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 855 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +21.89% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.31% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.13% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QEMM vs SCHD Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets StrategicFactors ETF (QEMM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QEMM returned +31.38% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, QEMM is up 21.89% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, QEMM compounded at +19.31% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.13% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +4.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QEMM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% 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 -40.5% for QEMM 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QEMM charges 0.30% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $6 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QEMM currently yields 3.96% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QEMM and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 894 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QEMM | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GVMXX | 0.12% | 0.04% | 0.08% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QEMM or SCHD?
QEMM has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QEMM or SCHD?
Over the past year QEMM returned +31.38% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so QEMM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QEMM annualized +4.36% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QEMM or SCHD?
QEMM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QEMM -40.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QEMM and SCHD?
QEMM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QEMM and SCHD?
QEMM and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QEMM or SCHD?
QEMM yields 3.96% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so QEMM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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