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

MetricIDECSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.06%
AUM$42M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings6104
YTD Return+8.76%+24.26%
1Y Return+16.75%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)7.0%13.6%
Max Drawdown-8.5%-33.4%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 1, 2023Oct 20, 2011

IDEC vs SCHD Performance

Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - December (IDEC) 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 IDEC returned +16.75% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, IDEC is up 8.76% 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 7.0% for IDEC. 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 -8.5% for IDEC 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IDEC charges 0.85% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $6 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDEC currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IDEC or SCHD?

IDEC has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IDEC or SCHD?

Over the past year IDEC returned +16.75% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IDEC annualized +13.45% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IDEC or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.0% for IDEC. Worst drawdown: IDEC -8.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both IDEC and SCHD?

IDEC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, IDEC or SCHD?

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

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