DFUS vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DFUS offers more diversification with 2231 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: DFUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDFUSSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.06%
AUM$20.7B$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.86%3.31%
Holdings2,264104
YTD Return+13.98%+24.08%
1Y Return+24.32%+31.88%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.17%+14.92%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.18%+9.85%
Volatility (annualized)15.8%13.6%
Max Drawdown-24.6%-33.4%
Fund FamilyDimensionalCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 25, 2001Oct 20, 2011

DFUS vs SCHD Performance

Dimensional US Equity Market ETF (DFUS) is a ETF from Dimensional and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFUS returned +24.32% while SCHD returned +31.88%. Year to date, DFUS is up 13.98% versus a gain of 24.08% for SCHD.

Over three years, DFUS compounded at +21.17% per year against +14.92% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.18% and +9.85% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DFUS has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DFUS 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 -24.6% for DFUS 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DFUS charges 0.09% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFUS currently yields 0.86% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

7.4%overlap

DFUS and SCHD share 94 holdings out of 2237 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DFUSWeight in SCHDDifference
UNH0.56%4.54%3.98%
MRK0.46%4.32%3.86%
ABT0.21%4.49%4.28%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DFUS or SCHD?

DFUS has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DFUS or SCHD?

Over the past year DFUS returned +24.32% vs +31.88% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFUS annualized +13.61% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DFUS or SCHD?

DFUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DFUS -24.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both DFUS and SCHD?

DFUS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DFUS and SCHD?

DFUS and SCHD share 94 common holdings with a 7.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2237 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DFUS or SCHD?

DFUS yields 0.86% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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