SCHD vs SEA
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SEA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 5.17% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 32 | |
| YTD Return | +28.63% | +38.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.53% | +44.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.97% | +22.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.47% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 24.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -39.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ETF Series Solutions | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jan 19, 2022 |
SCHD vs SEA Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) is a ETF from ETF Series Solutions. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.53% while SEA returned +44.27%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.63% versus a gain of 38.20% for SEA.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.97% per year against +22.49% for SEA. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +11.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.8% compared with 13.7% 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 -39.5% for SEA. 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SEA charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $60 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 5.17% for SEA.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SEA share 1 holdings out of 129 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in SEA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPS | 1.95% | 2.65% | 0.70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SEA?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SEA charges 0.60%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SEA?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.53% vs +44.27% for SEA, so SEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHD annualized +11.63% vs +11.48% for SEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SEA?
SEA has been the more volatile fund at 24.8% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SEA -39.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SEA?
SCHD and SEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SEA?
SCHD and SEA share 1 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SEA?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SEA yields 5.17%, so SEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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