SCHD vs WDGF

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. WDGF offers more diversification with 113 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: WDGF

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDWDGFWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.45%
AUM$108.7B$6M
Dividend Yield3.13%0.05%
Holdings104113
YTD Return+26.54%+10.67%
1Y Return+30.90%+13.11%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.29%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.65%-
Volatility (annualized)13.6%-
Max Drawdown-33.4%-18.0%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementWisdomTree Investments
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 20, 2011Sep 12, 2025

SCHD vs WDGF Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF (WDGF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% while WDGF returned +13.11%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.54% versus a gain of 10.67% for WDGF.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -33.4% for SCHD and -18.0% for WDGF. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while WDGF 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 0.05% for WDGF.

Holdings Overlap

3.2%overlap

SCHD and WDGF share 2 holdings out of 200 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SCHDWeight in WDGFDifference
LMT2.99%4.24%1.25%
BAH0.23%0.39%0.16%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or WDGF?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while WDGF 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 WDGF?

Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% vs +13.11% for WDGF, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and WDGF?

SCHD and WDGF share 2 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 200 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or WDGF?

SCHD yields 3.13% while WDGF yields 0.05%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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