SCHD vs SMDX
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha 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 | SMDX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $131M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.51% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 557 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +17.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +28.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 12.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -14.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Intech ETF | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Mar 1, 2025 |
SCHD vs SMDX Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) is a ETF from Intech ETF. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while SMDX returned +28.63%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 17.81% for SMDX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 12.7% for SMDX. 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 -14.5% for SMDX. 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMDX charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $35 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.51% for SMDX.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMDX?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMDX charges 0.35%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMDX?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +28.63% for SMDX, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +23.79% for SMDX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMDX?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.7% for SMDX. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMDX -14.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMDX?
SCHD and SMDX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMDX?
SCHD and SMDX share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMDX?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SMDX yields 0.51%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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