QWLD vs SCHD
State Street SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QWLD offers more diversification with 1248 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QWLD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $173M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 1,297 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.77% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.89% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.99% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QWLD vs SCHD Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD) 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 QWLD returned +18.89% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, QWLD is up 11.77% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, QWLD compounded at +16.99% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.23% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +9.24%. 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 QWLD. 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 -31.9% for QWLD 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QWLD 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, QWLD currently yields 1.73% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QWLD and SCHD share 47 holdings out of 1301 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QWLD or SCHD?
QWLD 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, QWLD or SCHD?
Over the past year QWLD returned +18.89% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QWLD annualized +9.24% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QWLD or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.6% for QWLD. Worst drawdown: QWLD -31.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QWLD and SCHD?
QWLD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QWLD and SCHD?
QWLD and SCHD share 47 common holdings with a 9.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1301 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QWLD or SCHD?
QWLD yields 1.73% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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