SCHD vs SMIG
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SMIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 1.80% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 41 | |
| YTD Return | +26.54% | +16.92% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.90% | +15.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.29% | +14.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.65% | +8.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 16.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -19.6% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Aug 25, 2021 |
SCHD vs SMIG Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc.. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% while SMIG returned +15.37%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.54% versus a gain of 16.92% for SMIG.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.29% per year against +14.22% for SMIG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.65% and +8.21% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +8.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -19.6% for SMIG. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMIG charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $60 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 1.80% for SMIG.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SMIG share 6 holdings out of 131 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMIG?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMIG charges 0.60%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMIG?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% vs +15.37% for SMIG, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHD annualized +11.51% vs +8.21% for SMIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMIG?
SMIG has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMIG -19.6%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMIG?
SCHD and SMIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMIG?
SCHD and SMIG share 6 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMIG?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SMIG yields 1.80%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.