SCHD vs SLV
SCHD vs SLV
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs iShares Silver Trust
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $28.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | -12.55% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +65.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +40.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +21.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 32.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -76.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Apr 21, 2006 |
SCHD vs SLV Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while SLV returned +65.42%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a loss of 12.55% for SLV.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +40.15% for SLV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +21.49% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% 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 -76.3% for SLV. 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SLV 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 0.00% for SLV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SLV?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SLV 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 SLV?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +65.42% for SLV, so SLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +7.29% for SLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SLV?
SLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SLV -76.3%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SLV?
SCHD and SLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SLV?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SLV yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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