AAPU vs SCHD
Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AAPU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAPU | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $188M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.97% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.11% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.20% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.93% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AAPU vs SCHD Performance
Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X ETF (AAPU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AAPU returned +49.20% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, AAPU is up 13.11% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, AAPU compounded at +27.93% per year against +15.55% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, AAPU has the edge at +21.62% annualized vs +11.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AAPU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.0% compared with 13.6% 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 -58.6% for AAPU and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAPU charges 0.96% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $6 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAPU currently yields 7.97% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AAPU and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 106 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAPU or SCHD?
AAPU has an expense ratio of 0.96% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AAPU or SCHD?
Over the past year AAPU returned +49.20% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so AAPU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AAPU annualized +21.62% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAPU or SCHD?
AAPU has been the more volatile fund at 44.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AAPU -58.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AAPU and SCHD?
AAPU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAPU and SCHD?
AAPU and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAPU or SCHD?
AAPU yields 7.97% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so AAPU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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