SCHD vs SMLV
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SMLV offers more diversification with 401 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SMLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $263M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 2.21% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 401 | |
| YTD Return | +26.50% | +23.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.25% | +27.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.34% | +18.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.10% | +10.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 17.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -42.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Feb 20, 2013 |
SCHD vs SMLV Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR US Small Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (SMLV) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.25% while SMLV returned +27.89%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.50% versus a gain of 23.39% for SMLV.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.34% per year against +18.78% for SMLV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.10% and +10.19% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +8.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -42.9% for SMLV. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMLV charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $12 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 2.21% for SMLV.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SMLV share 21 holdings out of 478 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMLV?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMLV charges 0.12%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMLV?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.25% vs +27.89% for SMLV, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs +8.75% for SMLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMLV?
SMLV has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMLV -42.9%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMLV?
SCHD and SMLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMLV?
SCHD and SMLV share 21 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 478 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMLV?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SMLV yields 2.21%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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