SCHD vs SMLL
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Harbor Active Small Cap 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 | SMLL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.80% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $14M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.52% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 49 | |
| YTD Return | +26.21% | +12.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.99% | +2.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.73% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 17.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -23.6% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Harbor Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Aug 27, 2024 |
SCHD vs SMLL Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Harbor Active Small Cap ETF (SMLL) is a ETF from Harbor Funds. Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% while SMLL returned +2.31%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.21% versus a gain of 12.12% for SMLL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMLL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -23.6% for SMLL. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMLL charges 0.80%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $80 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.52% for SMLL.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMLL?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMLL charges 0.80%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMLL?
Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% vs +2.31% for SMLL, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs +7.59% for SMLL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMLL?
SMLL has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMLL -23.6%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMLL?
SCHD and SMLL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMLL?
SCHD and SMLL share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 146 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMLL?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SMLL yields 1.52%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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