DFAC vs SCHD
DFAC vs SCHD
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFAC offers more diversification with 2493 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $47.6B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 2,519 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +15.70% | +24.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.39% | +31.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.43% | +14.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +9.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DFAC vs SCHD Performance
Dimensional US Core Equity 2 ETF (DFAC) is a ETF from Dimensional and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFAC returned +26.39% while SCHD returned +31.88%. Year to date, DFAC is up 15.70% versus a gain of 24.08% for SCHD.
Over three years, DFAC compounded at +19.43% per year against +14.92% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.51% and +9.85% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFAC has the edge at +12.45% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -23.1% for DFAC 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAC charges 0.17% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $6 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAC currently yields 0.91% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DFAC and SCHD share 98 holdings out of 2495 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DFAC | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.45% | 4.32% | 3.87% |
| UNH | 0.21% | 4.54% | 4.33% |
| ABT | 0.19% | 4.49% | 4.30% |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DFAC 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, DFAC or SCHD?
DFAC has an expense ratio of 0.17% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAC or SCHD?
Over the past year DFAC returned +26.39% vs +31.88% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAC annualized +12.45% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAC or SCHD?
DFAC has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DFAC -23.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DFAC and SCHD?
DFAC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAC and SCHD?
DFAC and SCHD share 98 common holdings with a 8.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2495 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAC or SCHD?
DFAC yields 0.91% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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