IXJ vs SCHD
IXJ vs SCHD
iShares Global Healthcare ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IXJ offers more diversification with 109 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXJ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $4.1B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.47% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 125 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +5.58% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.49% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.38% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.75% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2001 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IXJ vs SCHD Performance
iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) 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 IXJ returned +25.49% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, IXJ is up 5.58% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, IXJ compounded at +7.38% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.75% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +6.12%. 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 13.2% for IXJ. 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 -42.8% for IXJ 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXJ charges 0.40% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $6 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXJ currently yields 1.47% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
IXJ and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 204 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IXJ | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 4.34% | 4.54% | 0.20% |
| MRK | 3.99% | 4.32% | 0.33% |
| AMGN | 2.52% | 4.25% | 1.73% |
| ABT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BMY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings IXJ 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, IXJ or SCHD?
IXJ has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXJ or SCHD?
Over the past year IXJ returned +25.49% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), IXJ annualized +6.12% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXJ or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 13.2% for IXJ. Worst drawdown: IXJ -42.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IXJ and SCHD?
IXJ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXJ and SCHD?
IXJ and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 14.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 204 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXJ or SCHD?
IXJ yields 1.47% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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