SCHD vs SIMS
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SIMS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.56% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 55 | |
| YTD Return | +26.54% | +7.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.90% | +20.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.29% | +10.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.65% | +1.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 24.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -44.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 18, 2017 |
SCHD vs SIMS Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% while SIMS returned +20.59%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.54% versus a gain of 7.68% for SIMS.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.29% per year against +10.81% for SIMS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.65% and +1.14% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +5.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% 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 -44.0% for SIMS. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SIMS charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $45 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 0.56% for SIMS.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SIMS share 1 holdings out of 153 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in SIMS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CWEN | 0.10% | 1.29% | 1.19% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SIMS?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SIMS charges 0.45%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SIMS?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% vs +20.59% for SIMS, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SCHD annualized +11.51% vs +5.77% for SIMS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SIMS?
SIMS has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SIMS -44.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SIMS?
SCHD and SIMS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SIMS?
SCHD and SIMS share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 153 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SIMS?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SIMS yields 0.56%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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