SCHD vs WDAF
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | WDAF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $112.2B | $21M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.13% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 69 | |
| YTD Return | +28.33% | +4.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.37% | -1.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.64% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 34.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -28.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Sep 12, 2025 |
SCHD vs WDAF Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund ETF (WDAF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.37% while WDAF returned -1.96%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.33% versus a gain of 4.45% for WDAF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WDAF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.7% 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 -28.2% for WDAF. 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while WDAF charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $45 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 0.13% for WDAF.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and WDAF share 0 holdings out of 162 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 WDAF?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while WDAF charges 0.45%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or WDAF?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.37% vs -1.96% for WDAF, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or WDAF?
WDAF has been the more volatile fund at 34.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs WDAF -28.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and WDAF?
SCHD and WDAF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and WDAF?
SCHD and WDAF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 162 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or WDAF?
SCHD yields 3.13% while WDAF yields 0.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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