SCHD vs SYFI
SCHD vs SYFI
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs AB Short Duration High Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SYFI offers more diversification with 366 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SYFI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $924M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 5.29% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +22.69% | +2.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.94% | +5.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.20% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -4.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | AllianceBernstein L.P. | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jun 10, 2024 |
SCHD vs SYFI Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P.. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.94% while SYFI returned +5.16%. Year to date, SCHD is up 22.69% versus a gain of 2.30% for SYFI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 2.4% for SYFI. 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 -4.8% for SYFI. 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SYFI charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $40 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 5.29% for SYFI.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SYFI share 0 holdings out of 466 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 SYFI?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SYFI charges 0.40%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SYFI?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.94% vs +5.16% for SYFI, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.31% vs +6.57% for SYFI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SYFI?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 2.4% for SYFI. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SYFI -4.8%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SYFI?
SCHD and SYFI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SYFI?
SCHD and SYFI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 466 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SYFI?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SYFI yields 5.29%, so SYFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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