DUG vs SCHD
ProShares UltraShort Energy 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $30M | $112.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.55% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | -53.85% | +27.60% | |
| 1Y Return | -55.98% | +29.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -27.60% | +16.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -43.47% | +10.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DUG vs SCHD Performance
ProShares UltraShort Energy (DUG) is a ETF from ProShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DUG returned -55.98% while SCHD returned +29.63%. Year to date, DUG is down 53.85% versus a gain of 27.60% for SCHD.
Over three years, DUG compounded at -27.60% per year against +16.43% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -43.47% and +10.05% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.54% annualized vs -31.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.8% 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 -100.0% for DUG 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 -0.71. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUG charges 0.95% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $6 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUG currently yields 4.55% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DUG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, DUG or SCHD?
DUG has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUG or SCHD?
Over the past year DUG returned -55.98% vs +29.63% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DUG annualized -31.59% vs +11.54% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUG or SCHD?
DUG has been the more volatile fund at 47.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DUG -100.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DUG and SCHD?
DUG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUG and SCHD?
DUG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUG or SCHD?
DUG yields 4.55% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so DUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.