SCHD vs XBI
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Biotech ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. XBI delivered stronger 1-year returns. XBI offers more diversification with 157 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | XBI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $10.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.39% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 157 | |
| YTD Return | +28.63% | +39.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.53% | +91.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.97% | +29.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.47% | +7.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 27.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -63.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jan 31, 2006 |
SCHD vs XBI Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.53% while XBI returned +91.81%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.63% versus a gain of 39.66% for XBI.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.97% per year against +29.65% for XBI; over five years the annualized figures are +10.47% and +7.53% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, XBI has the edge at +12.08% annualized vs +11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XBI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% compared with 13.7% 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 -63.9% for XBI. 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while XBI charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $35 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 0.39% for XBI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or XBI?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while XBI charges 0.35%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or XBI?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.53% vs +91.81% for XBI, so XBI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.63% vs +12.08% for XBI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or XBI?
XBI has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs XBI -63.9%.
Should I hold both SCHD and XBI?
SCHD and XBI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and XBI?
SCHD and XBI share 2 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 251 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or XBI?
SCHD yields 3.13% while XBI yields 0.39%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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