IONZ 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

MetricIONZSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio1.29%0.06%
AUM$31,399.78$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings8104
YTD Return-87.90%+25.58%
1Y Return-97.12%+31.06%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.55%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.61%
Volatility (annualized)156.8%13.6%
Max Drawdown-98.7%-33.4%
Fund FamilyDefiance ETFs, LLCCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 23, 2025Oct 20, 2011

IONZ vs SCHD Performance

Defiance Daily Target 2X Short IONQ ETF (IONZ) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year IONZ returned -97.12% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, IONZ is down 87.90% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

IONZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 156.8% 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 -98.7% for IONZ 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 -0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IONZ charges 1.29% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $6 annually, a gap of $123 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IONZ currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

IONZ 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, IONZ or SCHD?

IONZ has an expense ratio of 1.29% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $123 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IONZ or SCHD?

Over the past year IONZ returned -97.12% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IONZ annualized -96.76% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IONZ or SCHD?

IONZ has been the more volatile fund at 156.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IONZ -98.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both IONZ and SCHD?

IONZ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between IONZ and SCHD?

IONZ and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IONZ or SCHD?

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

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