Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBMARSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.79%0.06%
AUM$251M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings6104
YTD Return+10.91%+24.26%
1Y Return+18.19%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+16.39%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.07%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)10.0%13.6%
Max Drawdown-21.4%-33.4%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionFeb 28, 2020Oct 20, 2011

BMAR vs SCHD Performance

Innovator US Equity Buffer ETF - March (BMAR) 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 BMAR returned +18.19% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BMAR is up 10.91% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, BMAR compounded at +16.39% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.07% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, BMAR has the edge at +13.06% annualized vs +11.39%. 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 10.0% for BMAR. 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 -21.4% for BMAR 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BMAR charges 0.79% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $6 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BMAR currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BMAR or SCHD?

BMAR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BMAR or SCHD?

Over the past year BMAR returned +18.19% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BMAR annualized +13.06% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BMAR or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.0% for BMAR. Worst drawdown: BMAR -21.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both BMAR and SCHD?

BMAR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, BMAR or SCHD?

BMAR yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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