SCHD vs SDEM
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SDEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.66% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $44M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 4.88% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 66 | |
| YTD Return | +26.54% | +9.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.90% | +21.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.29% | +19.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.65% | +5.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 18.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -57.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Mar 16, 2015 |
SCHD vs SDEM Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% while SDEM returned +21.03%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.54% versus a gain of 9.48% for SDEM.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.29% per year against +19.65% for SDEM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.65% and +5.65% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +0.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -57.2% for SDEM. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SDEM charges 0.66%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $66 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 4.88% for SDEM.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SDEM share 0 holdings out of 156 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 SDEM?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SDEM charges 0.66%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SDEM?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% vs +21.03% for SDEM, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SCHD annualized +11.51% vs +0.52% for SDEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SDEM?
SDEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SDEM -57.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SDEM?
SCHD and SDEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SDEM?
SCHD and SDEM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 156 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SDEM?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SDEM yields 4.88%, so SDEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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