IWL vs SCHD
IWL vs SCHD
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWL offers more diversification with 202 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 205 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.07% | +23.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +30.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.02% | +14.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.72% | +9.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 22, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IWL vs SCHD Performance
iShares Russell Top 200 ETF (IWL) 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 IWL returned +22.35% while SCHD returned +30.95%. Year to date, IWL is up 12.07% versus a gain of 23.53% for SCHD.
Over three years, IWL compounded at +22.02% per year against +14.72% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.72% and +9.56% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, IWL has the edge at +13.24% annualized vs +11.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% 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 -32.7% for IWL 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWL charges 0.15% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $6 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWL currently yields 0.85% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
IWL and SCHD share 24 holdings out of 278 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWL | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 0.68% | 4.54% | 3.86% |
| MRK | 0.56% | 4.32% | 3.76% |
| HD | 0.63% | 4.16% | 3.53% |
| ABT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWL shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWL or SCHD?
IWL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWL or SCHD?
Over the past year IWL returned +22.35% vs +30.95% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IWL annualized +13.24% vs +11.35% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWL or SCHD?
IWL has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IWL -32.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IWL and SCHD?
IWL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWL and SCHD?
IWL and SCHD share 24 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 278 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWL or SCHD?
IWL yields 0.85% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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