ICSH vs SCHD
ICSH vs SCHD
iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. ICSH offers more diversification with 129 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICSH | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $8.1B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.33% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 377 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.04% | +22.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.64% | +30.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.23% | +14.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.29% | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2013 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ICSH vs SCHD Performance
iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF (ICSH) 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 ICSH returned +1.64% while SCHD returned +30.94%. Year to date, ICSH is down 0.04% versus a gain of 22.69% for SCHD.
Over three years, ICSH compounded at +4.23% per year against +14.20% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +3.29% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs +2.13%. 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 10.3% for ICSH. 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 -23.3% for ICSH 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICSH charges 0.08% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $6 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICSH currently yields 4.33% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ICSH and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 229 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, ICSH or SCHD?
ICSH has an expense ratio of 0.08% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICSH or SCHD?
Over the past year ICSH returned +1.64% vs +30.94% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ICSH annualized +2.13% vs +11.31% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICSH or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 10.3% for ICSH. Worst drawdown: ICSH -23.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ICSH and SCHD?
ICSH and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICSH and SCHD?
ICSH and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 229 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICSH or SCHD?
ICSH yields 4.33% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so ICSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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