BALT vs SCHD
Innovator Defined Wealth Shield 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 | BALT | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +3.35% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.02% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.32% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.11% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BALT vs SCHD Performance
Innovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF (BALT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BALT returned +7.02% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BALT is up 3.35% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, BALT compounded at +7.32% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.11% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +6.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 2.6% for BALT. 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 -4.9% for BALT 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BALT charges 0.69% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $6 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BALT currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BALT or SCHD?
BALT has an expense ratio of 0.69% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BALT or SCHD?
Over the past year BALT returned +7.02% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BALT annualized +6.03% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BALT or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.6% for BALT. Worst drawdown: BALT -4.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BALT and SCHD?
BALT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BALT or SCHD?
BALT yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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