LEAD vs SCHD
LEAD vs SCHD
Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF 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 | LEAD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $72M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.55% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.78% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.19% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.43% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.00% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | SRN Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
LEAD vs SCHD Performance
Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF (LEAD) is a ETF from SRN Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year LEAD returned +19.19% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, LEAD is up 11.78% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, LEAD compounded at +15.43% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.00% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, LEAD has the edge at +13.67% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LEAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -32.2% for LEAD 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LEAD charges 0.43% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $6 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LEAD currently yields 0.55% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
LEAD and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 148 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in LEAD | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABT | 1.12% | 4.49% | 3.37% |
| ACN | 0.59% | 2.24% | 1.65% |
| QCOM | 0.11% | 2.72% | 2.61% |
| FAST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings LEAD shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LEAD or SCHD?
LEAD has an expense ratio of 0.43% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LEAD or SCHD?
Over the past year LEAD returned +19.19% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), LEAD annualized +13.67% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LEAD or SCHD?
LEAD has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: LEAD -32.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both LEAD and SCHD?
LEAD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LEAD and SCHD?
LEAD and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 148 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LEAD or SCHD?
LEAD yields 0.55% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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