ELM vs SCHD
ELM vs SCHD
Elm Market Navigator ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ELM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $576M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.00% | +23.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.58% | +30.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Elm Partners Management LLC | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 10, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ELM vs SCHD Performance
Elm Market Navigator ETF (ELM) is a ETF from Elm Partners Management LLC and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ELM returned +16.58% while SCHD returned +30.42%. Year to date, ELM is up 8.00% versus a gain of 23.31% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 7.8% for ELM. 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 -9.0% for ELM 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ELM charges 0.24% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $6 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ELM currently yields 2.53% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ELM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 119 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, ELM or SCHD?
ELM has an expense ratio of 0.24% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ELM or SCHD?
Over the past year ELM returned +16.58% vs +30.42% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ELM annualized +14.00% vs +11.34% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ELM or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.8% for ELM. Worst drawdown: ELM -9.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ELM and SCHD?
ELM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ELM and SCHD?
ELM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ELM or SCHD?
ELM yields 2.53% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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