SCHD vs XLC
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | XLC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $21.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 1.21% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +26.21% | -3.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.99% | +2.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.73% | +19.87% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | +7.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -46.6% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jun 18, 2018 |
SCHD vs XLC Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLC) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% while XLC returned +2.57%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.21% versus a loss of 3.16% for XLC.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.73% per year against +19.87% for XLC; over five years the annualized figures are +9.67% and +7.33% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +11.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -46.6% for XLC. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while XLC charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $8 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.21% for XLC.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or XLC?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while XLC charges 0.08%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or XLC?
Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% vs +2.57% for XLC, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs +11.23% for XLC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or XLC?
XLC has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs XLC -46.6%.
Should I hold both SCHD and XLC?
SCHD and XLC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and XLC?
SCHD and XLC share 2 common holdings with a 5.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 122 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or XLC?
SCHD yields 3.31% while XLC yields 1.21%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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