SCHD vs SMCF
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Themes US Small Cap Cash Flow Champions 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 | SMCF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.29% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 141 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | +21.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | +32.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 17.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -28.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Themes ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 13, 2023 |
SCHD vs SMCF Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Themes US Small Cap Cash Flow Champions ETF (SMCF) is a ETF from Themes ETFs. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while SMCF returned +32.26%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a gain of 21.25% for SMCF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -28.0% for SMCF. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMCF charges 0.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $29 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 3.31% for SMCF.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SMCF share 7 holdings out of 168 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMCF?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMCF charges 0.29%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMCF?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs +32.26% for SMCF, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs +20.29% for SMCF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMCF?
SMCF has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMCF -28.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMCF?
SCHD and SMCF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMCF?
SCHD and SMCF share 7 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 168 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMCF?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SMCF yields 3.31%, so SMCF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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