SCHD vs SYSB
SCHD vs SYSB
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs iShares Systematic Bond ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SYSB offers more diversification with 692 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SYSB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $1.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 4.60% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 843 | |
| YTD Return | +22.69% | -2.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.94% | -1.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.20% | +1.46% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | -2.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 4.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -22.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Feb 24, 2015 |
SCHD vs SYSB Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and iShares Systematic Bond ETF (SYSB) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +30.94% while SYSB returned -1.43%. Year to date, SCHD is up 22.69% versus a loss of 2.86% for SYSB.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +14.20% per year against +1.46% for SYSB; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and -2.96% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs -1.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 4.7% for SYSB. 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 -22.4% for SYSB. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SYSB charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $25 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 4.60% for SYSB.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SYSB share 0 holdings out of 792 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 SYSB?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SYSB charges 0.25%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SYSB?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.94% vs -1.43% for SYSB, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SCHD annualized +11.31% vs -1.17% for SYSB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SYSB?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 4.7% for SYSB. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SYSB -22.4%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SYSB?
SCHD and SYSB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SYSB?
SCHD and SYSB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SYSB?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SYSB yields 4.60%, so SYSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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