SCHD vs XCEM
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. XCEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. XCEM offers more diversification with 442 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | XCEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.16% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.40% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 338 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +25.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +46.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +23.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | +10.83% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 19.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -41.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Sep 1, 2015 |
SCHD vs XCEM Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while XCEM returned +46.96%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 25.31% for XCEM.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +23.02% for XCEM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and +10.83% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, XCEM has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +11.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XCEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -41.2% for XCEM. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while XCEM charges 0.16%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $16 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 2.40% for XCEM.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and XCEM share 0 holdings out of 542 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 XCEM?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while XCEM charges 0.16%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or XCEM?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +46.96% for XCEM, so XCEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +11.63% for XCEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or XCEM?
XCEM has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs XCEM -41.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and XCEM?
SCHD and XCEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and XCEM?
SCHD and XCEM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or XCEM?
SCHD yields 3.31% while XCEM yields 2.40%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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