BRTR vs SCHD
BRTR vs SCHD
iShares Total Return Active ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. BRTR offers more diversification with 1114 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRTR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $735M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.72% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 2,915 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.41% | +22.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.22% | +30.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BRTR vs SCHD Performance
iShares Total Return Active ETF (BRTR) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BRTR returned +3.22% while SCHD returned +30.94%. Year to date, BRTR is down 0.41% versus a gain of 22.69% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 5.0% for BRTR. 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 -4.7% for BRTR 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRTR charges 0.38% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $6 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRTR currently yields 4.72% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
BRTR and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 1213 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BRTR | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FITB | 0.00% | 1.35% | 1.35% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BRTR or SCHD?
BRTR has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRTR or SCHD?
Over the past year BRTR returned +3.22% vs +30.94% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BRTR annualized +4.69% vs +11.31% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRTR or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 5.0% for BRTR. Worst drawdown: BRTR -4.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BRTR and SCHD?
BRTR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRTR and SCHD?
BRTR and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1213 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRTR or SCHD?
BRTR yields 4.72% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so BRTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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