MFSM vs SCHD
MFSM vs SCHD
MFS Active Intermediate Muni Bond ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MFSM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $100M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.55% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 305 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.93% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.99% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MFSM vs SCHD Performance
MFS Active Intermediate Muni Bond ETF (MFSM) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MFSM returned +4.99% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, MFSM is up 0.93% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 3.7% for MFSM. 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 -3.9% for MFSM 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MFSM charges 0.34% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $6 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MFSM currently yields 3.55% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MFSM and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 185 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MFSM | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GVMXX | 4.62% | 0.04% | 4.58% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MFSM or SCHD?
MFSM has an expense ratio of 0.34% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MFSM or SCHD?
Over the past year MFSM returned +4.99% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MFSM annualized +2.87% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MFSM or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 3.7% for MFSM. Worst drawdown: MFSM -3.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MFSM and SCHD?
MFSM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MFSM and SCHD?
MFSM and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 185 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MFSM or SCHD?
MFSM yields 3.55% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so MFSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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