HARD vs SCHD
Simplify Commodities Strategy No K-1 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 | HARD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $82M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +2.90% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.99% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.40% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
HARD vs SCHD Performance
Simplify Commodities Strategy No K-1 ETF (HARD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year HARD returned +5.99% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, HARD is up 2.90% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, HARD compounded at +8.40% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HARD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -21.0% for HARD 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HARD 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, HARD currently yields 3.15% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
HARD 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, HARD or SCHD?
HARD 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, HARD or SCHD?
Over the past year HARD returned +5.99% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HARD annualized +8.72% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HARD or SCHD?
HARD has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: HARD -21.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both HARD and SCHD?
HARD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HARD and SCHD?
HARD and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HARD or SCHD?
HARD yields 3.15% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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