SCHD vs STEW

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDSTEWWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%2.28%
AUM$103.7B$2.3B
Dividend Yield3.31%3.12%
Holdings10424
YTD Return+24.26%+5.65%
1Y Return+31.38%+11.37%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%+15.43%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%+10.41%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%18.3%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-78.2%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementParalel Advisors LLC
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 20, 2011Jan 31, 2002

SCHD vs STEW Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and SRH Total Return Fund (STEW) is a ETF from Paralel Advisors LLC. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while STEW returned +11.37%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 5.65% for STEW.

Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +15.43% for STEW; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +10.41% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +3.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

STEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -78.2% for STEW. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while STEW charges 2.28%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $228 annually, a gap of $222 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 3.12% for STEW.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHD and STEW share 0 holdings out of 123 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or STEW?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while STEW charges 2.28%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $222 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or STEW?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +11.37% for STEW, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +3.86% for STEW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or STEW?

STEW has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs STEW -78.2%.

Should I hold both SCHD and STEW?

SCHD and STEW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and STEW?

SCHD and STEW share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 123 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or STEW?

SCHD yields 3.31% while STEW yields 3.12%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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