SCHA vs SCHD
Schwab US Small-Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHA has a lower expense ratio. SCHA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHA offers more diversification with 1550 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $22.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 1,734 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +22.39% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.49% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.01% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.99% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
SCHA vs SCHD Performance
Schwab US Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year SCHA returned +34.49% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, SCHA is up 22.39% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, SCHA compounded at +18.01% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.99% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +11.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -43.0% for SCHA 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHA charges 0.03% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHA currently yields 0.99% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
SCHA and SCHD share 40 holdings out of 1610 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHA or SCHD?
SCHA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHA or SCHD?
Over the past year SCHA returned +34.49% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHA annualized +11.44% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHA or SCHD?
SCHA has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHA -43.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both SCHA and SCHD?
SCHA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHA and SCHD?
SCHA and SCHD share 40 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1610 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHA or SCHD?
SCHA yields 0.99% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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