ACWI vs SCHD
ACWI vs SCHD
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. ACWI offers more diversification with 1314 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACWI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $32.1B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 2,280 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.56% | +23.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.20% | +30.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.46% | +14.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.69% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2008 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ACWI vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI ACWI ETF (ACWI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ACWI returned +23.20% while SCHD returned +30.75%. Year to date, ACWI is up 11.56% versus a gain of 23.02% for SCHD.
Over three years, ACWI compounded at +19.46% per year against +14.89% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.69% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.33% annualized vs +6.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACWI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -56.3% for ACWI and -33.4% for SCHD. 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
ACWI charges 0.32% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $6 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWI currently yields 1.43% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ACWI and SCHD share 41 holdings out of 1373 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ACWI | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 0.37% | 4.54% | 4.17% |
| ABT | 0.16% | 4.49% | 4.33% |
| MRK | 0.31% | 4.32% | 4.01% |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ACWI shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACWI or SCHD?
ACWI has an expense ratio of 0.32% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWI or SCHD?
Over the past year ACWI returned +23.20% vs +30.75% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ACWI annualized +6.96% vs +11.33% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWI or SCHD?
ACWI has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ACWI -56.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ACWI and SCHD?
ACWI and SCHD 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 ACWI and SCHD?
ACWI and SCHD share 41 common holdings with a 4.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1373 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWI or SCHD?
ACWI yields 1.43% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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