SCHD vs SLY
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap ETF
Which is better, SCHD or SLY?
Large Cap Value against Small Cap Blend.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, SLY over 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 | SCHD | SLY |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06%Best | 0.15% |
| AUM | $111.6B | $1.7B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.24% | 1.62% |
| Holdings | 206 | 605 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7%Best | 18.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4%Best | -44.5% |
| $10,000 over 11.6 years | $30,789 | $36,926Best |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | SPDR State Street Global Advisors |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Small Cap Blend |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Nov 8, 2005 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 1223 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. SCHD has data through Oct 14, 2026 and SLY through Jun 9, 2023.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 11.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 20, 2011 to Jun 9, 2023 (11.6 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -44.5% for SLY. 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
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SLY charges 0.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $15 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.24% against 1.62% for SLY.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SCHD and SLY 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, SCHD or SLY?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SLY charges 0.15%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $9 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SLY?
SLY has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SLY -44.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SLY?
SCHD and SLY 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, SCHD or SLY?
SCHD yields 3.24% while SLY yields 1.62%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SLY better than SCHD?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, SLY over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.