DBEF vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

DBEF (Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DBEF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DBEF returned 12.71%/yr vs 12.48%/yr for SCHD. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DBEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

DBEF vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DBEF achieves a 13.70% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 17.13% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DBEF having a 12.71% annualized return and SCHD not far behind at 12.48%.

DBEF

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: 3.64%
• YTD: 13.70%
• 6M: 13.98%
• 1Y: 30.38%
• 3Y*: 18.31%
• 5Y*: 13.92%
• 10Y*: 12.71%

SCHD

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -1.21%
• YTD: 17.13%
• 6M: 17.00%
• 1Y: 23.94%
• 3Y*: 13.38%
• 5Y*: 9.07%
• 10Y*: 12.48%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DBEF vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	13.70%	23.16%	13.40%	20.15%	-5.13%	19.60%	2.03%	24.94%	-9.52%	16.74%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	17.13%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between DBEF and SCHD is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2011	0.69

Over the past year, the correlation between DBEF and SCHD has dropped to 0.42 - well below their long-term average of 0.69, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

DBEF vs. SCHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DBEF	SCHD
Financial Services	24.3%	9.1%
Industrials	19.5%	7.4%
Technology	11.6%	19.4%
Healthcare	10.2%	18.4%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	6.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.6%	18.5%
Basic Materials	6.3%	1.2%
Communication Services	4.8%	6.0%
Utilities	3.7%	0.0%
Energy	3.7%	14.6%
Real Estate	1.7%	-

Return for Risk

DBEF vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DBEF

DBEF Risk / Return Rank: 74
DBEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
DBEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
DBEF Omega Ratio Rank: 76
DBEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
DBEF Martin Ratio Rank: 74

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 77
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 72

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DBEF vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DBEF	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.29	2.20	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.19	3.36	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.39	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.12	5.27	-2.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.19	12.86	+0.34

DBEF vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DBEF Sharpe Ratio is 2.29, which is comparable to the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DBEF and SCHD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DBEF vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DBEF drawdown since its inception was -32.46%, roughly equal to the maximum SCHD drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DBEF and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	DBEF	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.46%	-33.37%	+0.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.41%	-4.61%	-4.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.62%	-16.13%	+1.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.95%	-16.85%	+1.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.46%	-33.37%	+0.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.95%	+2.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.72%	-3.31%	-1.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	1.89%	+0.33%

Volatility

DBEF vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) has a higher volatility of 4.34% compared to Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) at 3.58%. This indicates that DBEF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DBEF	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	3.58%	+0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.80%	7.75%	+3.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.85%	11.07%	+1.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.83%	14.38%	-0.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.80%	16.73%	-0.93%

DBEF vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

DBEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

DBEF vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

DBEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.88%, more than SCHD's 3.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DBEF Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF	2.29%	5.55%	1.29%	4.46%	15.85%	2.28%	2.41%	3.03%	3.22%	2.98%	2.55%	3.70%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.31%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DBEF and SCHD in my portfolio?

DBEF and SCHD have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DBEF or SCHD?

DBEF has higher volatility (4.34%) compared to SCHD (3.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DBEF dropped -32.46% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, DBEF or SCHD?

On 10-year performance, DBEF leads with 12.71% vs 12.48% for SCHD. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHD has been the lower-risk option at 3.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DBEF or SCHD?

Over the 10-year period, DBEF has performed better with a 12.71% return vs 12.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DBEF or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for DBEF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DBEF or SCHD?

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.31%, compared with 2.29% for DBEF.

What is the main difference between DBEF and SCHD?

DBEF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SCHD is Dividend. DBEF tracks MSCI EAFE US Dollar Hedged Index, while SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: DWS and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for DBEF and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DBEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 2.20), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.