SCHD vs SLX
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs VanEck Steel ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SLX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SLX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $159M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.33% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +27.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +64.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +21.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | +14.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 33.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -82.1% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Oct 10, 2006 |
SCHD vs SLX Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and VanEck Steel ETF (SLX) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while SLX returned +64.19%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 27.38% for SLX.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +21.02% for SLX; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and +14.20% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +7.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.8% 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 -82.1% for SLX. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SLX charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $55 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.33% for SLX.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SLX share 0 holdings out of 139 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 SLX?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SLX charges 0.55%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SLX?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +64.19% for SLX, so SLX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +7.86% for SLX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SLX?
SLX has been the more volatile fund at 33.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SLX -82.1%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SLX?
SCHD and SLX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SLX?
SCHD and SLX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 139 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SLX?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SLX yields 1.33%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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