ION vs SCHD
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. ION delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ION | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $13M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -1.32% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.94% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ION vs SCHD Performance
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION) is a ETF from ProShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ION returned +56.94% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, ION is down 1.32% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, ION compounded at +16.88% per year against +16.29% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +7.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ION has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.2% 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 -52.2% for ION 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
ION charges 0.58% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $6 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ION currently yields 1.61% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ION and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 152 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, ION or SCHD?
ION has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ION or SCHD?
Over the past year ION returned +56.94% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so ION leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), ION annualized +7.73% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ION or SCHD?
ION has been the more volatile fund at 31.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ION -52.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ION and SCHD?
ION and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ION and SCHD?
ION and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 152 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ION or SCHD?
ION yields 1.61% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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