SCHD vs SMHX
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SMHX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SMHX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $232M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.02% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | +27.67% | +41.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.26% | +61.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.66% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 38.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -38.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Aug 27, 2024 |
SCHD vs SMHX Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.26% while SMHX returned +61.88%. Year to date, SCHD is up 27.67% versus a gain of 41.92% for SMHX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMHX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.0% 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 -38.5% for SMHX. 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMHX 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 0.02% for SMHX.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SMHX share 1 holdings out of 121 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in SMHX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| QCOM | 2.55% | 4.26% | 1.71% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMHX?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMHX 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 SMHX?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.26% vs +61.88% for SMHX, so SMHX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.57% vs +50.16% for SMHX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMHX?
SMHX has been the more volatile fund at 38.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMHX -38.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMHX?
SCHD and SMHX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMHX?
SCHD and SMHX share 1 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMHX?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SMHX yields 0.02%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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