Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: BSTMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBSTSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio1.00%0.06%
AUM$1.7B$103.7B
Dividend Yield7.73%3.31%
Holdings88104
YTD Return+25.01%+24.26%
1Y Return+37.03%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+22.87%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+7.26%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)22.9%13.6%
Max Drawdown-46.6%-33.4%
Fund FamilyBlackRock, Inc. (US)Charles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 29, 2014Oct 20, 2011

BST vs SCHD Performance

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (BST) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BST returned +37.03% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BST is up 25.01% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, BST compounded at +22.87% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.26% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, BST has the edge at +12.39% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -46.6% for BST 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BST charges 1.00% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $6 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BST currently yields 7.73% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

BST and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 146 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in BSTWeight in SCHDDifference
ADP0.15%2.54%2.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BST or SCHD?

BST has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BST or SCHD?

Over the past year BST returned +37.03% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so BST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BST annualized +12.39% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BST or SCHD?

BST has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: BST -46.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both BST and SCHD?

BST and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BST and SCHD?

BST and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 146 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BST or SCHD?

BST yields 7.73% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so BST currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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