SCHD vs TIER

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. TIER offers more diversification with 162 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: TIER

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDTIERWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.38%
AUM$103.7B-
Dividend Yield3.31%-
Holdings104347
YTD Return+22.69%+11.86%
1Y Return+30.94%+28.17%
3Y Return (annualized)+14.20%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.59%-
Volatility (annualized)13.7%14.7%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-12.1%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementT.Rowe Price
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 20, 2011Jun 25, 2025

SCHD vs TIER Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and T. Rowe Price International Equity Research ETF (TIER) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.94% while TIER returned +28.17%. Year to date, SCHD is up 22.69% versus a gain of 11.86% for TIER.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

TIER has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% compared with 13.7% 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 -12.1% for TIER. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while TIER charges 0.38%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $38 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHD and TIER share 0 holdings out of 262 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 TIER?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while TIER charges 0.38%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or TIER?

Over the past year SCHD returned +30.94% vs +28.17% for TIER, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SCHD annualized +11.31% vs +24.82% for TIER. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or TIER?

TIER has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs TIER -12.1%.

Should I hold both SCHD and TIER?

SCHD and TIER have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and TIER?

SCHD and TIER share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 262 unique securities.

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