Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRSFSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio5.25%0.06%
AUM$52M$103.7B
Dividend Yield8.16%3.31%
Holdings9,730104
YTD Return+7.99%+24.26%
1Y Return+8.92%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.76%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.43%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)8.6%13.6%
Max Drawdown-44.2%-33.4%
Fund FamilyRiverNorthCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionSep 22, 2016Oct 20, 2011

RSF vs SCHD Performance

RiverNorth Capital and Income Fund, Inc. (RSF) is a ETF from RiverNorth and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year RSF returned +8.92% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, RSF is up 7.99% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, RSF compounded at +7.76% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.43% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +0.09%. 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 8.6% for RSF. 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 -44.2% for RSF 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RSF charges 5.25% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $525 vs $6 annually, a gap of $519 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSF currently yields 8.16% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

RSF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 117 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, RSF or SCHD?

RSF has an expense ratio of 5.25% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $519 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RSF or SCHD?

Over the past year RSF returned +8.92% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RSF annualized +0.09% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RSF or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 8.6% for RSF. Worst drawdown: RSF -44.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both RSF and SCHD?

RSF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between RSF and SCHD?

RSF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 117 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RSF or SCHD?

RSF yields 8.16% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so RSF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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