SCHD vs SMTH
SCHD vs SMTH
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SMTH offers more diversification with 147 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SMTH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $3.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 4.38% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 954 | |
| YTD Return | +23.02% | -0.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.75% | +1.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.89% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.38% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 4.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -4.1% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ALPS Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 5, 2023 |
SCHD vs SMTH Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.75% while SMTH returned +1.94%. Year to date, SCHD is up 23.02% versus a loss of 0.26% for SMTH.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 4.0% for SMTH. 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 -4.1% for SMTH. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMTH charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $59 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 4.38% for SMTH.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SMTH share 0 holdings out of 247 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, SCHD or SMTH?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMTH charges 0.59%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMTH?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.75% vs +1.94% for SMTH, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.33% vs +4.80% for SMTH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMTH?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.0% for SMTH. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMTH -4.1%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMTH?
SCHD and SMTH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMTH?
SCHD and SMTH share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 247 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMTH?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SMTH yields 4.38%, so SMTH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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