SCHD vs SEEM
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SEEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SEEM offers more diversification with 234 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SEEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $604M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.52% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 249 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | +21.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | +41.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 17.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -14.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Oct 10, 2024 |
SCHD vs SEEM Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) is a ETF from SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while SEEM returned +41.32%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a gain of 21.30% for SEEM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -14.0% for SEEM. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SEEM 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 3.31% against 2.52% for SEEM.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SEEM share 0 holdings out of 334 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 SEEM?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SEEM 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 SEEM?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs +41.32% for SEEM, so SEEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs +30.59% for SEEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SEEM?
SEEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SEEM -14.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SEEM?
SCHD and SEEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SEEM?
SCHD and SEEM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 334 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SEEM?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SEEM yields 2.52%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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