SCHD vs SCJ
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCJ offers more diversification with 795 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SCJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $265M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 2.72% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 795 | |
| YTD Return | +26.54% | +20.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.90% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.29% | +20.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.65% | +8.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -43.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 20, 2007 |
SCHD vs SCJ Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and iShares MSCI Japan Small-Cap ETF (SCJ) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% while SCJ returned +26.86%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.54% versus a gain of 20.60% for SCJ.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.29% per year against +20.12% for SCJ; over five years the annualized figures are +9.65% and +8.78% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +4.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -43.7% for SCJ. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SCJ charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $50 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 2.72% for SCJ.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SCJ share 0 holdings out of 888 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, SCHD or SCJ?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SCJ charges 0.50%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SCJ?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% vs +26.86% for SCJ, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.51% vs +4.96% for SCJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SCJ?
SCJ has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SCJ -43.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SCJ?
SCHD and SCJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SCJ?
SCHD and SCJ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 888 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SCJ?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SCJ yields 2.72%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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