SCHD vs WCMI
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs First Trust WCM International Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | WCMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.54% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +26.21% | +15.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.99% | +27.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.73% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 13.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -12.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Mar 31, 2020 |
SCHD vs WCMI Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and First Trust WCM International Equity ETF (WCMI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% while WCMI returned +27.64%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.21% versus a gain of 15.98% for WCMI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WCMI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.8% 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 -12.8% for WCMI. 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while WCMI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $85 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.54% for WCMI.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and WCMI share 1 holdings out of 143 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in WCMI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLB:CW | 1.80% | 2.38% | 0.58% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or WCMI?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while WCMI charges 0.85%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or WCMI?
Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% vs +27.64% for WCMI, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs +22.76% for WCMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or WCMI?
WCMI has been the more volatile fund at 13.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs WCMI -12.8%.
Should I hold both SCHD and WCMI?
SCHD and WCMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and WCMI?
SCHD and WCMI share 1 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 143 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or WCMI?
SCHD yields 3.31% while WCMI yields 0.54%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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