SCHD vs SMLF
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF
Which is better, SCHD or SMLF?
Large Cap Value against Small Cap Blend.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, SMLF over 3Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SMLF |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06%Best | 0.15% |
| AUM | $119.9B | $4.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.96% | 0.98% |
| Holdings | 204 | 1,951 |
| YTD Return | +33.09%Best | +14.92% |
| 1Y Return | +37.17%Best | +17.48% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.32% | +21.52%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.36%Best | +9.20% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1%Best | 18.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4%Best | -43.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,370Best | $15,528 |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Apr 28, 2015 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 30, 2015 to Nov 11, 2026 (11.5 years).
SCHD vs SMLF growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11.5 years both funds cover.
SCHD vs SMLF Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and iShares US Small-Cap Equity Factor ETF (SMLF) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +37.17% while SMLF returned +17.48%. Year to date, SCHD is up 33.09% versus a gain of 14.92% for SMLF.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +20.32% per year against +21.52% for SMLF; over five years the annualized figures are +10.36% and +9.20% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +10.98% annualized vs +10.56%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMLF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% compared with 15.1% 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 -43.1% for SMLF. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 SMLF charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $15 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 2.96% against 0.98% for SMLF.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SCHD and SMLF you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMLF?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMLF charges 0.15%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $9 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMLF?
Over the past year SCHD returned +37.17% vs +17.48% for SMLF, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SCHD annualized +10.98% vs +10.56% for SMLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMLF?
SMLF has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 15.1% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMLF -43.1%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMLF?
SCHD and SMLF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMLF?
SCHD yields 2.96% while SMLF yields 0.98%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SMLF better than SCHD?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 5Y and the full window, SMLF over 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.