SCHD vs SIFI
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Harbor Ares Systematic Multi-Sector Income ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SIFI offers more diversification with 151 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SIFI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $34M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 8.10% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 187 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +1.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +4.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +7.23% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | +2.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 5.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -14.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Harbor Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Sep 14, 2021 |
SCHD vs SIFI Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Harbor Ares Systematic Multi-Sector Income ETF (SIFI) is a ETF from Harbor Funds. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while SIFI returned +4.59%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 1.22% for SIFI.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +7.23% for SIFI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and +2.31% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +2.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 5.6% for SIFI. 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 -14.7% for SIFI. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SIFI 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 8.10% for SIFI.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SIFI share 0 holdings out of 251 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 SIFI?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SIFI 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 SIFI?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +4.59% for SIFI, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +2.31% for SIFI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SIFI?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 5.6% for SIFI. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SIFI -14.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SIFI?
SCHD and SIFI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SIFI?
SCHD and SIFI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 251 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SIFI?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SIFI yields 8.10%, so SIFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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