SCHD vs XPH
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. XPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | XPH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $479M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.51% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 67 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | +26.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | +60.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +8.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -52.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jun 19, 2006 |
SCHD vs XPH Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while XPH returned +60.86%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a gain of 26.59% for XPH.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.58% per year against +18.34% for XPH; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +8.51% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +8.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XPH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -52.7% for XPH. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while XPH 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 3.31% against 0.51% for XPH.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or XPH?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while XPH 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 XPH?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs +60.86% for XPH, so XPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs +8.05% for XPH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or XPH?
XPH has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs XPH -52.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and XPH?
SCHD and XPH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and XPH?
SCHD and XPH share 2 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 158 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or XPH?
SCHD yields 3.31% while XPH yields 0.51%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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