SCHD vs SYLD
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SYLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SYLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $998M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.84% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 102 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +20.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +32.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +11.99% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | +8.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 19.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -45.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Cambria Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | May 13, 2013 |
SCHD vs SYLD Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while SYLD returned +32.44%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 20.64% for SYLD.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +11.99% for SYLD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and +8.40% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SYLD has the edge at +12.48% annualized vs +11.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SYLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -45.4% for SYLD. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SYLD charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $59 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.84% for SYLD.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SYLD share 14 holdings out of 185 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SYLD?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SYLD charges 0.59%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SYLD?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +32.44% for SYLD, so SYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +12.48% for SYLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SYLD?
SYLD has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SYLD -45.4%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SYLD?
SCHD and SYLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SYLD?
SCHD and SYLD share 14 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 185 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SYLD?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SYLD yields 1.84%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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