SCHD vs WLDR
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. WLDR delivered stronger 1-year returns. WLDR offers more diversification with 112 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | WLDR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.67% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $91M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.28% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 121 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | +30.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | +48.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | +31.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +18.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -47.1% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jan 16, 2018 |
SCHD vs WLDR Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF (WLDR) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while WLDR returned +48.01%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a gain of 30.17% for WLDR.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.58% per year against +31.02% for WLDR; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +18.31% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +11.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WLDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -47.1% for WLDR. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while WLDR charges 0.67%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $67 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.28% for WLDR.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and WLDR share 7 holdings out of 205 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or WLDR?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while WLDR charges 0.67%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or WLDR?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs +48.01% for WLDR, so WLDR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs +11.47% for WLDR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or WLDR?
WLDR has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs WLDR -47.1%.
Should I hold both SCHD and WLDR?
SCHD and WLDR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and WLDR?
SCHD and WLDR share 7 common holdings with a 8.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 205 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or WLDR?
SCHD yields 3.31% while WLDR yields 1.28%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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