SCHD vs SMCO
SCHD vs SMCO
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Hilton Small-MidCap Opportunity 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 | SCHD | SMCO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $142M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.87% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 64 | |
| YTD Return | +23.31% | +12.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.42% | +18.55% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.66% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -22.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Hilton Capital Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Nov 28, 2023 |
SCHD vs SMCO Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Hilton Small-MidCap Opportunity ETF (SMCO) is a ETF from Hilton Capital Management. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.42% while SMCO returned +18.55%. Year to date, SCHD is up 23.31% versus a gain of 12.54% for SMCO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -22.7% for SMCO. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMCO charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $55 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.87% for SMCO.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SMCO share 4 holdings out of 159 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in SMCO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DVN | 1.31% | 1.18% | 0.13% |
| MC | 0.13% | 1.56% | 1.43% |
| CWEN | 0.11% | 1.42% | 1.31% |
| BAH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 4 holdings SCHD shares with SMCO 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, SCHD or SMCO?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMCO charges 0.55%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMCO?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.42% vs +18.55% for SMCO, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.34% vs +17.75% for SMCO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMCO?
SMCO has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMCO -22.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMCO?
SCHD and SMCO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMCO?
SCHD and SMCO share 4 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 159 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMCO?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SMCO yields 0.87%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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