ARKD vs SCHD
ARKD vs SCHD
ARK DIET Q1 Buffer ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ARKD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -1.42% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | -66.45% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 61.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Ark Invest | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2026 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ARKD vs SCHD Performance
ARK DIET Q1 Buffer ETF (ARKD) is a ETF from Ark Invest and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ARKD returned -66.45% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, ARKD is down 1.42% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ARKD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 61.5% 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 -72.1% for ARKD 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 -0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ARKD charges 0.89% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $6 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARKD currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ARKD and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, ARKD or SCHD?
ARKD has an expense ratio of 0.89% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ARKD or SCHD?
Over the past year ARKD returned -66.45% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ARKD annualized -11.94% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ARKD or SCHD?
ARKD has been the more volatile fund at 61.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ARKD -72.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ARKD and SCHD?
ARKD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ARKD and SCHD?
ARKD and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ARKD or SCHD?
ARKD yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.