IQLT vs SCHD
IQLT vs SCHD
iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IQLT offers more diversification with 295 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IQLT | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $13.6B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 325 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.31% | +23.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.99% | +30.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.51% | +14.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.61% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2015 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IQLT vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI Intl Quality Factor ETF (IQLT) 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 IQLT returned +22.99% while SCHD returned +30.75%. Year to date, IQLT is up 11.31% versus a gain of 23.02% for SCHD.
Over three years, IQLT compounded at +15.51% per year against +14.89% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.61% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.33% annualized vs +7.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IQLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% 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 -32.2% for IQLT 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IQLT charges 0.30% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $6 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IQLT currently yields 2.41% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
IQLT and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 395 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, IQLT or SCHD?
IQLT has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IQLT or SCHD?
Over the past year IQLT returned +22.99% vs +30.75% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IQLT annualized +7.30% vs +11.33% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IQLT or SCHD?
IQLT has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IQLT -32.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IQLT and SCHD?
IQLT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IQLT and SCHD?
IQLT and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 395 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IQLT or SCHD?
IQLT yields 2.41% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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