DFAT vs SCHD
Dimensional US Targeted Value ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, DFAT or SCHD?
Small Cap Value against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAT | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $30.6B | $111.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 3.24% |
| Holdings | 1,234 | 206 |
| YTD Return | +13.08% | +24.55%Best |
| 1Y Return | +18.14% | +29.85%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.01% | +16.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.45% | +9.54%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -26.1% | -16.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,706 | $15,771Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 11, 1998 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 14, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.3 years).
DFAT vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.3 years both funds cover.
DFAT vs SCHD Performance
Dimensional US Targeted Value ETF (DFAT) is an ETF from Dimensional and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFAT returned +18.14% while SCHD returned +29.85%. Year to date, DFAT is up 13.08% versus a gain of 24.55% for SCHD.
Over three years, DFAT compounded at +16.01% per year against +16.64% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.45% and +9.54% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% compared with 14.8% 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 -26.1% for DFAT and -16.9% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAT charges 0.28% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $6 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAT currently yields 1.40% against 3.24% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1,141 holdings in DFAT and 98 in SCHD, totalling 72.0% and 99.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1,141 positions we hold weights for in DFAT and 98 in SCHD, against full books of 1,234 and 206.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAT and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAT or SCHD?
DFAT has an expense ratio of 0.28% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $22 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAT or SCHD?
Over the past year DFAT returned +18.14% vs +29.85% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAT or SCHD?
DFAT has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.8% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DFAT -26.1% vs SCHD -16.9%.
Should I hold both DFAT and SCHD?
DFAT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAT or SCHD?
DFAT yields 1.40% while SCHD yields 3.24%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than DFAT?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.