DEEP vs SCHD
DEEP vs SCHD
Acquirers Small and Micro Deep Value ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. DEEP delivered stronger 1-year returns. DEEP offers more diversification with 102 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEEP | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $28M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +23.84% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.05% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.25% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Acquirers Funds, LLC | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DEEP vs SCHD Performance
Acquirers Small and Micro Deep Value ETF (DEEP) is a ETF from Acquirers Funds, LLC and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DEEP returned +34.05% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, DEEP is up 23.84% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, DEEP compounded at +9.40% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.25% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +5.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEEP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -56.4% for DEEP 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEEP charges 0.80% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $6 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEEP currently yields 1.91% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DEEP and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 201 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DEEP | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETD | 0.91% | 0.01% | 0.90% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEEP or SCHD?
DEEP has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEEP or SCHD?
Over the past year DEEP returned +34.05% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so DEEP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), DEEP annualized +5.73% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEEP or SCHD?
DEEP has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DEEP -56.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DEEP and SCHD?
DEEP and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEEP and SCHD?
DEEP and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 201 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEEP or SCHD?
DEEP yields 1.91% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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