EFU 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

MetricEFUSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.06%
AUM$1M$103.7B
Dividend Yield5.01%3.31%
Holdings5104
YTD Return-23.39%+24.26%
1Y Return-34.97%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-26.65%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-17.35%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)33.3%13.6%
Max Drawdown-99.5%-33.4%
Fund FamilyProSharesCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionOct 23, 2007Oct 20, 2011

EFU vs SCHD Performance

ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE (EFU) is a ETF from ProShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EFU returned -34.97% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, EFU is down 23.39% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, EFU compounded at -26.65% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -17.35% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs -20.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EFU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.3% 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 -99.5% for EFU 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 -0.75. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EFU 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, EFU currently yields 5.01% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EFU or SCHD?

EFU 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, EFU or SCHD?

Over the past year EFU returned -34.97% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EFU annualized -20.45% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EFU or SCHD?

EFU has been the more volatile fund at 33.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EFU -99.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both EFU and SCHD?

EFU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, EFU or SCHD?

EFU yields 5.01% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so EFU currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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