DECW 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

MetricDECWSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.06%
AUM$226M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings5104
YTD Return+6.68%+24.26%
1Y Return+13.28%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.63%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)6.8%13.6%
Max Drawdown-8.8%-33.4%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 30, 2022Oct 20, 2011

DECW vs SCHD Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DECW returned +13.28% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, DECW is up 6.68% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, DECW compounded at +10.63% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +10.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 6.8% for DECW. 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 -8.8% for DECW 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DECW 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, DECW currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DECW or SCHD?

DECW 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, DECW or SCHD?

Over the past year DECW returned +13.28% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DECW annualized +10.86% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DECW or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 6.8% for DECW. Worst drawdown: DECW -8.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both DECW and SCHD?

DECW and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, DECW or SCHD?

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

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