CIF vs SCHD
CIF vs SCHD
MFS Intermediate High Income Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. CIF offers more diversification with 285 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CIF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.05% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $31M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.78% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 360 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -1.12% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.67% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.54% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 21, 1988 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CIF vs SCHD Performance
MFS Intermediate High Income Fund (CIF) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CIF returned +3.67% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, CIF is down 1.12% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, CIF compounded at +10.23% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -3.54% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs -3.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CIF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -87.0% for CIF 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CIF charges 2.05% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $205 vs $6 annually, a gap of $199 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CIF currently yields 9.78% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CIF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 385 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, CIF or SCHD?
CIF has an expense ratio of 2.05% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $199 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CIF or SCHD?
Over the past year CIF returned +3.67% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CIF annualized -3.07% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CIF or SCHD?
CIF has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CIF -87.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CIF and SCHD?
CIF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CIF and SCHD?
CIF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 385 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CIF or SCHD?
CIF yields 9.78% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so CIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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