SCHD vs SDG
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SDG offers more diversification with 117 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SDG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $168M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.69% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 147 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | +8.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | +16.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | +6.87% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +0.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 14.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -30.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Apr 20, 2016 |
SCHD vs SDG Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF (SDG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while SDG returned +16.46%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a gain of 8.02% for SDG.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.58% per year against +6.87% for SDG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +0.19% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +7.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.4% 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 -30.4% for SDG. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SDG 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 3.31% against 1.69% for SDG.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SDG share 1 holdings out of 216 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in SDG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KMB | 0.93% | 3.34% | 2.41% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SDG?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SDG 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 SDG?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs +16.46% for SDG, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs +7.39% for SDG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SDG?
SDG has been the more volatile fund at 14.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SDG -30.4%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SDG?
SCHD and SDG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SDG?
SCHD and SDG share 1 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 216 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SDG?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SDG yields 1.69%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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