ETF Versus

SCHD vs SCHE

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF vs Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

SCHD Schwab

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.46%. Launched in 2011, the fund has a 15-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.06% Yield: 3.46% Since: 2011-10-20
SCHE Schwab

Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SCHE) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to stocks in emerging market economies with higher growth potential. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.11%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.87%. Launched in 2010, the fund has a 16-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.11% Yield: 2.87% Since: 2010-01-14

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.06% vs 0.11%), saving about $99 per $10,000 over 10 years. Over the past year, SCHE has significantly outperformed with a 18.3% return vs 9.4%. Income investors may prefer SCHD for its higher yield (3.5% vs 2.9%).

Key Metrics

Metric SCHD SCHE
Expense Ratio 0.06% 0.11%
Dividend Yield 3.5% 2.9%
Fund Family Schwab Schwab
Category US Dividend Emerging Markets

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

65 78 91 104 117 130 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
SCHD +23.3%
SCHE +2.1%

Performance Comparison

Period SCHD SCHE Difference
1 Month -3.43% -2.32% -1.11%
3 Months +10.01% -2.03% +12.04%
6 Months +11.58% -3.04% +14.62%
YTD +10.01% -2.03% +12.04%
1 Year +9.45% +18.31% -8.86%
3 Years +24.41% +33.24% -8.83%
5 Years +23.25% +2.12% +21.13%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SCHD Fees SCHE Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $120 $219 $99
$10,000 20 years $515 $940 $425
$10,000 30 years $1,664 $3,030 $1,366
$50,000 10 years $598 $1,094 $496
$50,000 30 years $8,318 $15,149 $6,830
$100,000 30 years $16,637 $30,297 $13,661

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric SCHD SCHE
Annualized Volatility 14.6% 17.7%
Max Drawdown -18.9% -35.8%
Sharpe Ratio 0.05 -0.14

Dividend Comparison

Metric SCHD SCHE
Annual Dividend (per share) $1.06 $0.94
Dividend Yield 3.46% 2.87%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Semi-Annual or Annual

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose SCHD if...

you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.

Choose SCHE if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

Choose SCHD if...

you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.

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