SCEC vs SCHD
SCEC vs SCHD
Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCEC offers more diversification with 212 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCEC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $598M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.84% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 339 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -2.82% | +23.31% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.95% | +30.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Sterling Capital Active ETF | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
SCEC vs SCHD Performance
Sterling Capital Enhanced Core Bond ETF (SCEC) is a ETF from Sterling Capital Active ETF and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year SCEC returned -0.95% while SCHD returned +30.42%. Year to date, SCEC is down 2.82% versus a gain of 23.31% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 3.5% for SCEC. 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 -4.6% for SCEC 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 0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCEC charges 0.39% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $6 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCEC currently yields 4.84% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
SCEC and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 312 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, SCEC or SCHD?
SCEC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCEC or SCHD?
Over the past year SCEC returned -0.95% vs +30.42% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SCEC annualized +1.12% vs +11.34% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCEC or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 3.5% for SCEC. Worst drawdown: SCEC -4.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both SCEC and SCHD?
SCEC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCEC and SCHD?
SCEC and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 312 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCEC or SCHD?
SCEC yields 4.84% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCEC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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