SCHD vs SPDW
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2348 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SPDW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $40.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 3.02% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 2,440 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +15.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +29.29% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +19.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | +9.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 17.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -62.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Apr 20, 2007 |
SCHD vs SPDW Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while SPDW returned +29.29%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 15.97% for SPDW.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +19.55% for SPDW; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and +9.71% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +3.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPDW 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 -62.2% for SPDW. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SPDW charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 3.02% for SPDW.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SPDW share 2 holdings out of 2446 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SPDW?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPDW charges 0.03%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SPDW?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +29.29% for SPDW, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +3.14% for SPDW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SPDW?
SPDW has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPDW -62.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SPDW?
SCHD and SPDW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SPDW?
SCHD and SPDW share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2446 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SPDW?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SPDW yields 3.02%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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