DBEF vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DBEF offers more diversification with 675 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: DBEF

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDBEFSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.06%
AUM$9.2B$103.7B
Dividend Yield2.31%3.31%
Holdings707104
YTD Return+12.95%+22.69%
1Y Return+27.16%+30.94%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.30%+14.20%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.70%+9.59%
Volatility (annualized)12.5%13.7%
Max Drawdown-32.5%-33.4%
Fund FamilyXtrackers ETFsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 9, 2011Oct 20, 2011

DBEF vs SCHD Performance

Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DBEF returned +27.16% while SCHD returned +30.94%. Year to date, DBEF is up 12.95% versus a gain of 22.69% for SCHD.

Over three years, DBEF compounded at +18.30% per year against +14.20% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.70% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs +10.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 12.5% for DBEF. 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 -32.5% for DBEF 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DBEF charges 0.35% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $6 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBEF currently yields 2.31% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DBEF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 775 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, DBEF or SCHD?

DBEF has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DBEF or SCHD?

Over the past year DBEF returned +27.16% vs +30.94% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DBEF annualized +10.36% vs +11.31% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DBEF or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 12.5% for DBEF. Worst drawdown: DBEF -32.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both DBEF and SCHD?

DBEF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DBEF and SCHD?

DBEF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 775 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DBEF or SCHD?

DBEF yields 2.31% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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