SCHA vs SCHD
Schwab US Small-Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, SCHA or SCHD?
Small Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
SCHA has a lower expense ratio. SCHA led over 3Y, SCHD over 1Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHA | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.06% |
| AUM | $21.7B | $119.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.96% |
| Holdings | 3,507 | 204 |
| YTD Return | +16.21% | +32.38%Best |
| 1Y Return | +20.07% | +38.54%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.27%Best | +20.13% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.66% | +10.28%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 13.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -43.0% | -33.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,169 | $16,311Best |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 20, 2011 to Nov 10, 2026 (15.1 years).
SCHA vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.1 years both funds cover.
SCHA vs SCHD Performance
Schwab US Small-Cap ETF (SCHA) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year SCHA returned +20.07% while SCHD returned +38.54%. Year to date, SCHA is up 16.21% versus a gain of 32.38% for SCHD.
Over three years, SCHA compounded at +20.27% per year against +20.13% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +5.66% and +10.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.65% annualized vs +10.70%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% compared with 13.8% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. 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 1.10% against 2.96% for SCHD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SCHA and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SCHA or SCHD?
Over the past year SCHA returned +20.07% vs +38.54% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHA annualized +10.70% vs +11.65% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SCHA or SCHD?
SCHA has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 13.8% 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 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHA or SCHD?
SCHA yields 1.10% while SCHD yields 2.96%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than SCHA?
SCHA has a lower expense ratio. SCHA led over 3Y, SCHD over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.