CQQQ vs SCHD
Invesco China Technology ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. CQQQ offers more diversification with 178 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CQQQ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.27% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 178 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -8.87% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.31% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.40% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.45% | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.4% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CQQQ vs SCHD Performance
Invesco China Technology ETF (CQQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CQQQ returned +3.31% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, CQQQ is down 8.87% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Over three years, CQQQ compounded at +10.40% per year against +16.97% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -4.45% and +10.47% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +5.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CQQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.4% compared with 13.7% 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 -74.0% for CQQQ 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CQQQ charges 0.65% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $6 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CQQQ currently yields 2.27% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CQQQ and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 275 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, CQQQ or SCHD?
CQQQ has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CQQQ or SCHD?
Over the past year CQQQ returned +3.31% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CQQQ annualized +5.15% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CQQQ or SCHD?
CQQQ has been the more volatile fund at 28.4% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CQQQ -74.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CQQQ and SCHD?
CQQQ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CQQQ and SCHD?
CQQQ and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 275 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CQQQ or SCHD?
CQQQ yields 2.27% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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