MARO vs SCHD
YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy 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 | MARO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $52M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 187.24% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -14.56% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | -47.45% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MARO vs SCHD Performance
YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF (MARO) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MARO returned -47.45% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, MARO is down 14.56% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MARO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.7% 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 -71.8% for MARO 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 -0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARO charges 1.00% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $6 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARO currently yields 187.24% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MARO and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 103 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, MARO or SCHD?
MARO has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MARO or SCHD?
Over the past year MARO returned -47.45% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MARO annualized -44.07% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARO or SCHD?
MARO has been the more volatile fund at 52.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MARO -71.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MARO and SCHD?
MARO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARO and SCHD?
MARO and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARO or SCHD?
MARO yields 187.24% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so MARO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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