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

MetricEBUFSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.89%0.06%
AUM$41M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings6104
YTD Return+9.57%+24.26%
1Y Return+14.60%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)4.5%13.6%
Max Drawdown-6.5%-33.4%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 1, 2024Oct 20, 2011

EBUF vs SCHD Performance

Innovator Emerging Markets 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (EBUF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EBUF returned +14.60% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, EBUF is up 9.57% 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 4.5% for EBUF. 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 -6.5% for EBUF 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 0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EBUF charges 0.89% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $6 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EBUF currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EBUF or SCHD?

EBUF has an expense ratio of 0.89% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EBUF or SCHD?

Over the past year EBUF returned +14.60% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), EBUF annualized +11.88% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EBUF or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.5% for EBUF. Worst drawdown: EBUF -6.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both EBUF and SCHD?

EBUF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, EBUF or SCHD?

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

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