IXUS vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. IXUS offers more diversification with 1343 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: IXUS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIXUSSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.07%0.06%
AUM$57.6B$103.7B
Dividend Yield2.94%3.31%
Holdings4,623104
YTD Return+12.07%+23.02%
1Y Return+26.69%+30.75%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.32%+14.89%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.63%+9.38%
Volatility (annualized)14.3%13.6%
Max Drawdown-39.9%-33.4%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Charles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 18, 2012Oct 20, 2011

IXUS vs SCHD Performance

iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS) 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 IXUS returned +26.69% while SCHD returned +30.75%. Year to date, IXUS is up 12.07% versus a gain of 23.02% for SCHD.

Over three years, IXUS compounded at +18.32% per year against +14.89% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.63% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.33% annualized vs +6.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.3% 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 -39.9% for IXUS 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IXUS charges 0.07% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $6 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXUS currently yields 2.94% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

IXUS and SCHD share 2 holdings out of 1441 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in IXUSWeight in SCHDDifference
MRK0.05%4.32%4.27%
2345:TW0.10%2.24%2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IXUS or SCHD?

IXUS has an expense ratio of 0.07% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IXUS or SCHD?

Over the past year IXUS returned +26.69% vs +30.75% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IXUS annualized +6.17% vs +11.33% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IXUS or SCHD?

IXUS has been the more volatile fund at 14.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IXUS -39.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both IXUS and SCHD?

IXUS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between IXUS and SCHD?

IXUS and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1441 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IXUS or SCHD?

IXUS yields 2.94% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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