HEFA vs SCHD
HEFA vs SCHD
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. HEFA offers more diversification with 648 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HEFA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $7.5B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.95% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 786 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.61% | +23.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.87% | +30.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.17% | +14.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.38% | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
HEFA vs SCHD Performance
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year HEFA returned +24.87% while SCHD returned +30.42%. Year to date, HEFA is up 12.61% versus a gain of 23.31% for SCHD.
Over three years, HEFA compounded at +18.17% per year against +14.66% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.38% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.34% annualized vs +9.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 12.3% for HEFA. 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 -45.6% for HEFA 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HEFA 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, HEFA currently yields 2.95% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
HEFA and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 747 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HEFA | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.09% | 4.32% | 4.23% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HEFA or SCHD?
HEFA 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, HEFA or SCHD?
Over the past year HEFA returned +24.87% vs +30.42% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), HEFA annualized +9.71% vs +11.34% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HEFA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.3% for HEFA. Worst drawdown: HEFA -45.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both HEFA and SCHD?
HEFA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HEFA and SCHD?
HEFA and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 747 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEFA or SCHD?
HEFA yields 2.95% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.