SCHD vs SMMD
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs iShares Russell 2500 ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SMMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SMMD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.15% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $3.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.05% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 520 | |
| YTD Return | +26.21% | +22.88% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.99% | +30.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.73% | +18.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | +8.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 20.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -41.1% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jul 6, 2017 |
SCHD vs SMMD Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% while SMMD returned +30.81%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.21% versus a gain of 22.88% for SMMD.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.73% per year against +18.30% for SMMD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.67% and +8.81% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +10.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% 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 -41.1% for SMMD. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMMD 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 3.31% against 1.05% for SMMD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMMD?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMMD charges 0.15%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMMD?
Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% vs +30.81% for SMMD, so SMMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs +10.71% for SMMD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMMD?
SMMD has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMMD -41.1%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMMD?
SCHD and SMMD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMMD?
SCHD and SMMD share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMMD?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SMMD yields 1.05%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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