CTA vs SCHD
Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, CTA or SCHD?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CTA | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $1.6B | $112.2B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.41% | 3.13% |
| Holdings | 126 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +8.79% | +27.56%Best |
| 1Y Return | +7.70% | +30.29%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.77% | +16.37%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.23% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -20.8% | -16.1%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.5 years | $14,550 | $16,288Best |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 8, 2022 to Sep 4, 2026 (4.5 years).
CTA vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.5 years both funds cover.
CTA vs SCHD Performance
Simplify Managed Futures Strategy ETF (CTA) is an ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CTA returned +7.70% while SCHD returned +30.29%. Year to date, CTA is up 8.79% versus a gain of 27.56% for SCHD.
Over three years, CTA compounded at +9.77% per year against +16.37% for SCHD.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CTA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 14.9% 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 -20.8% for CTA and -16.1% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.04. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CTA charges 0.75% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $6 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CTA currently yields 5.41% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in CTA and 100 in SCHD, totalling 72.7% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in CTA and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 126 and 103.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CTA and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CTA or SCHD?
CTA has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $69 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, CTA or SCHD?
Over the past year CTA returned +7.70% vs +30.29% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, CTA or SCHD?
CTA has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.9% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CTA -20.8% vs SCHD -16.1%.
Should I hold both CTA and SCHD?
CTA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CTA or SCHD?
CTA yields 5.41% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so CTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than CTA?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.