DECU vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDECUSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.06%
AUM$53M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings4104
YTD Return+9.64%+24.26%
1Y Return+16.45%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)8.4%13.6%
Max Drawdown-10.7%-33.4%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 29, 2024Oct 20, 2011

DECU vs SCHD Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Dec ETF (DECU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DECU returned +16.45% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, DECU is up 9.64% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 8.4% for DECU. 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 -10.7% for DECU 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DECU charges 0.74% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $6 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DECU currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DECU or SCHD?

DECU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DECU or SCHD?

Over the past year DECU returned +16.45% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DECU annualized +11.28% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DECU or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 8.4% for DECU. Worst drawdown: DECU -10.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both DECU and SCHD?

DECU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, DECU or SCHD?

DECU yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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