SCHD vs WDEF
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs WisdomTree Europe 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 | WDEF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $112.2B | $100M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.07% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 49 | |
| YTD Return | +27.60% | -0.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.63% | +1.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.43% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 31.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -23.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jul 17, 2025 |
SCHD vs WDEF Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and WisdomTree Europe Defense Fund ETF (WDEF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year SCHD returned +29.63% while WDEF returned +1.10%. Year to date, SCHD is up 27.60% versus a loss of 0.44% for WDEF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.1% 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 -23.9% for WDEF. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while WDEF 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 0.07% for WDEF.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and WDEF share 0 holdings out of 142 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 WDEF?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while WDEF 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 WDEF?
Over the past year SCHD returned +29.63% vs +1.10% for WDEF, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SCHD annualized +11.54% vs -1.01% for WDEF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or WDEF?
WDEF has been the more volatile fund at 31.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs WDEF -23.9%.
Should I hold both SCHD and WDEF?
SCHD and WDEF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and WDEF?
SCHD and WDEF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or WDEF?
SCHD yields 3.13% while WDEF yields 0.07%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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