SCHD vs WAR
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs US Global Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. WAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | WAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $40M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 10.22% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 30 | |
| YTD Return | +26.54% | +44.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.90% | +63.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.29% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.65% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 33.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -25.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 30, 2024 |
SCHD vs WAR Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and US Global Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF (WAR) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc.. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% while WAR returned +63.92%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.54% versus a gain of 44.84% for WAR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.3% 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 -25.0% for WAR. 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while WAR charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $60 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 10.22% for WAR.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and WAR share 0 holdings out of 129 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 WAR?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while WAR charges 0.60%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or WAR?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% vs +63.92% for WAR, so WAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.51% vs +49.93% for WAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or WAR?
WAR has been the more volatile fund at 33.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs WAR -25.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and WAR?
SCHD and WAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and WAR?
SCHD and WAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or WAR?
SCHD yields 3.13% while WAR yields 10.22%, so WAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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