ISEP vs SCHD
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - September 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 | ISEP | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $65M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.16% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.42% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.63% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 1, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ISEP vs SCHD Performance
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - September (ISEP) 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 ISEP returned +14.42% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, ISEP is up 8.16% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, ISEP compounded at +12.63% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, ISEP has the edge at +12.63% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 7.5% for ISEP. 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 -7.4% for ISEP 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISEP 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, ISEP currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISEP or SCHD?
ISEP 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, ISEP or SCHD?
Over the past year ISEP returned +14.42% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ISEP annualized +12.63% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISEP or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.5% for ISEP. Worst drawdown: ISEP -7.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ISEP and SCHD?
ISEP and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISEP or SCHD?
ISEP yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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