RFI vs SCHD
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. RFI offers more diversification with 158 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1,524.6 | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.12% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 193 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.08% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.53% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.59% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.44% | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 1993 | Oct 20, 2011 |
RFI vs SCHD Performance
Cohen & Steers Total Return Realty Fund Inc. (RFI) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year RFI returned +4.53% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, RFI is up 10.08% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, RFI compounded at +8.59% per year against +15.73% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +1.44% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +0.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -80.1% for RFI 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFI charges 0.89% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $6 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFI currently yields 8.12% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
RFI and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 257 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 RFI | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GVMXX | 0.50% | 0.04% | 0.46% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFI or SCHD?
RFI has an expense ratio of 0.89% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFI or SCHD?
Over the past year RFI returned +4.53% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), RFI annualized +0.05% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFI or SCHD?
RFI has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: RFI -80.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both RFI and SCHD?
RFI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RFI and SCHD?
RFI and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 257 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFI or SCHD?
RFI yields 8.12% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so RFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.