SCHD vs SMH
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs VanEck Semiconductor ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SMH delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SMH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $60.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.22% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 27 | |
| YTD Return | +28.70% | +50.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.27% | +95.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.27% | +56.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +34.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 31.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -85.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 20, 2011 |
SCHD vs SMH Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.27% while SMH returned +95.56%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.70% versus a gain of 50.13% for SMH.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +17.27% per year against +56.08% for SMH; over five years the annualized figures are +10.23% and +34.42% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +11.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.4% compared with 13.7% 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 -85.5% for SMH. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMH 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 3.13% against 0.22% for SMH.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SMH share 3 holdings out of 122 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMH?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMH 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 SMH?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.27% vs +95.56% for SMH, so SMH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.63% vs +11.22% for SMH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMH?
SMH has been the more volatile fund at 31.4% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMH -85.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMH?
SCHD and SMH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMH?
SCHD and SMH share 3 common holdings with a 6.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 122 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMH?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SMH yields 0.22%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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