SCHD vs SHLD
SCHD vs SHLD
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Global X Defense Tech ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SHLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $7.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.71% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 55 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +4.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +11.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +43.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 21.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -25.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Sep 11, 2023 |
SCHD vs SHLD Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while SHLD returned +11.20%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 4.26% for SHLD.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +43.30% for SHLD. Across the full 3-year window we track, SHLD has the edge at +43.30% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SHLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 -25.4% for SHLD. 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SHLD 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 0.71% for SHLD.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SHLD share 1 holdings out of 141 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in SHLD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMT | 2.66% | 8.32% | 5.66% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SHLD?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SHLD 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 SHLD?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +11.20% for SHLD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +43.30% for SHLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SHLD?
SHLD has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SHLD -25.4%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SHLD?
SCHD and SHLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SHLD?
SCHD and SHLD share 1 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 141 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SHLD?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SHLD yields 0.71%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.