DRSK vs SCHD
Aptus Defined Risk ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DRSK | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.70% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.28% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.61% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.93% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.15% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Aptus Capital Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 7, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DRSK vs SCHD Performance
Aptus Defined Risk ETF (DRSK) is a ETF from Aptus Capital Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DRSK returned +1.61% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, DRSK is up 1.28% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, DRSK compounded at +7.93% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.15% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +5.02%. 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 7.9% for DRSK. 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 -19.9% for DRSK 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DRSK charges 0.78% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $6 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DRSK currently yields 3.70% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DRSK and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 110 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DRSK or SCHD?
DRSK has an expense ratio of 0.78% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DRSK or SCHD?
Over the past year DRSK returned +1.61% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DRSK annualized +5.02% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DRSK or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.9% for DRSK. Worst drawdown: DRSK -19.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DRSK and SCHD?
DRSK and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DRSK and SCHD?
DRSK and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 110 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DRSK or SCHD?
DRSK yields 3.70% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so DRSK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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