DFCF vs SCHD
Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, DFCF or SCHD?
Long Term Bond 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 | DFCF | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $11.5B | $111.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.56% | 3.24% |
| Holdings | 3,657 | 206 |
| YTD Return | -2.35% | +24.55%Best |
| 1Y Return | -2.14% | +29.85%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +16.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.46% | +9.54%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.9%Best | 15.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -16.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,772 | $15,771Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (4.9 years).
DFCF 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 4.9 years both funds cover.
DFCF vs SCHD Performance
Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF) is an ETF from Dimensional and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DFCF returned -2.14% while SCHD returned +29.85%. Year to date, DFCF is down 2.35% versus a gain of 24.55% for SCHD.
Over three years, DFCF compounded at +4.86% per year against +16.64% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -0.46% and +9.54% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.9% for DFCF. 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 -19.6% for DFCF 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 0.58. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFCF charges 0.17% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $6 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFCF currently yields 4.56% against 3.24% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1,580 holdings in DFCF and 98 in SCHD, totalling 94.8% 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 1,580 positions we hold weights for in DFCF and 98 in SCHD, against full books of 3,657 and 206.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFCF 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, DFCF or SCHD?
DFCF has an expense ratio of 0.17% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $11 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFCF or SCHD?
Over the past year DFCF returned -2.14% 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, DFCF or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.9% for DFCF. Worst drawdown: DFCF -19.6% vs SCHD -16.9%.
Should I hold both DFCF and SCHD?
DFCF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, 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, DFCF or SCHD?
DFCF yields 4.56% while SCHD yields 3.24%, so DFCF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than DFCF?
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.