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

MetricIMAYSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.06%
AUM$55M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings6104
YTD Return+8.71%+24.26%
1Y Return+14.95%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)6.3%13.6%
Max Drawdown-9.4%-33.4%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 1, 2024Oct 20, 2011

IMAY vs SCHD Performance

Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - May (IMAY) 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 IMAY returned +14.95% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, IMAY is up 8.71% 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 6.3% for IMAY. 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 -9.4% for IMAY 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IMAY 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, IMAY currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IMAY or SCHD?

IMAY 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, IMAY or SCHD?

Over the past year IMAY returned +14.95% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IMAY annualized +12.74% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IMAY or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 6.3% for IMAY. Worst drawdown: IMAY -9.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both IMAY and SCHD?

IMAY and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, IMAY or SCHD?

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

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