SCHD vs SOXX
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs iShares Semiconductor ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SOXX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SOXX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.33% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $43.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.29% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +26.54% | +75.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.90% | +117.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.29% | +50.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.65% | +30.57% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 30.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -70.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jul 10, 2001 |
SCHD vs SOXX Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% while SOXX returned +117.59%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.54% versus a gain of 75.66% for SOXX.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.29% per year against +50.72% for SOXX; over five years the annualized figures are +9.65% and +30.57% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SOXX has the edge at +14.18% annualized vs +11.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.4% 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 -70.2% for SOXX. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SOXX charges 0.33%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $33 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 0.29% for SOXX.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SOXX share 3 holdings out of 128 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SOXX?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SOXX charges 0.33%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SOXX?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% vs +117.59% for SOXX, so SOXX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.51% vs +14.18% for SOXX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SOXX?
SOXX has been the more volatile fund at 30.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SOXX -70.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SOXX?
SCHD and SOXX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SOXX?
SCHD and SOXX share 3 common holdings with a 6.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SOXX?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SOXX yields 0.29%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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