CSQ vs SCHD
Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. CSQ offers more diversification with 452 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CSQ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $5.0B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.90% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 816 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.03% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.17% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.16% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.63% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2004 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CSQ vs SCHD Performance
Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund (CSQ) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CSQ returned +23.17% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, CSQ is up 14.03% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, CSQ compounded at +21.16% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.63% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +3.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CSQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -72.7% for CSQ 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSQ charges 2.03% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $203 vs $6 annually, a gap of $197 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSQ currently yields 5.90% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CSQ and SCHD share 13 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSQ or SCHD?
CSQ has an expense ratio of 2.03% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $197 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSQ or SCHD?
Over the past year CSQ returned +23.17% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CSQ annualized +3.44% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSQ or SCHD?
CSQ has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CSQ -72.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CSQ and SCHD?
CSQ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CSQ and SCHD?
CSQ and SCHD share 13 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSQ or SCHD?
CSQ yields 5.90% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so CSQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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