CSM vs SCHD
ProShares Large Cap Core Plus vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. CSM offers more diversification with 302 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CSM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $509M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 308 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.99% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.85% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.35% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.86% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CSM vs SCHD Performance
ProShares Large Cap Core Plus (CSM) is a ETF from ProShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CSM returned +23.85% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, CSM is up 11.99% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, CSM compounded at +21.35% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.86% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, CSM has the edge at +14.98% annualized vs +11.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -36.1% for CSM 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSM charges 0.45% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $6 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSM currently yields 1.05% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CSM and SCHD share 32 holdings out of 370 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSM or SCHD?
CSM has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSM or SCHD?
Over the past year CSM returned +23.85% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CSM annualized +14.98% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSM or SCHD?
CSM has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CSM -36.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CSM and SCHD?
CSM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CSM and SCHD?
CSM and SCHD share 32 common holdings with a 7.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 370 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSM or SCHD?
CSM yields 1.05% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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