SCHD vs SMDV
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Proshares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SMDV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $112.2B | $725M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 2.28% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 101 | |
| YTD Return | +28.33% | +14.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.37% | +12.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.64% | +10.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +5.77% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 16.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -34.1% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Feb 3, 2015 |
SCHD vs SMDV Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Proshares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.37% while SMDV returned +12.92%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.33% versus a gain of 14.92% for SMDV.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.64% per year against +10.95% for SMDV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.04% and +5.77% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.58% annualized vs +7.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% 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 -34.1% for SMDV. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMDV charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $40 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 2.28% for SMDV.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SMDV share 9 holdings out of 189 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMDV?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMDV charges 0.40%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMDV?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.37% vs +12.92% for SMDV, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SCHD annualized +11.58% vs +7.92% for SMDV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMDV?
SMDV has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMDV -34.1%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMDV?
SCHD and SMDV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMDV?
SCHD and SMDV share 9 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 189 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMDV?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SMDV yields 2.28%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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