MDPL vs SCHD
Monarch Dividend Plus Index 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 | MDPL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.24% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $58M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.66% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.01% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.70% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Monarch Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MDPL vs SCHD Performance
Monarch Dividend Plus Index ETF (MDPL) is a ETF from Monarch Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MDPL returned +13.70% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, MDPL is up 9.01% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MDPL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -14.2% for MDPL 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDPL charges 1.24% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $124 vs $6 annually, a gap of $118 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDPL currently yields 1.66% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MDPL and SCHD share 4 holdings out of 126 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MDPL or SCHD?
MDPL has an expense ratio of 1.24% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $118 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDPL or SCHD?
Over the past year MDPL returned +13.70% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MDPL annualized +7.23% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDPL or SCHD?
MDPL has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MDPL -14.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MDPL and SCHD?
MDPL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MDPL and SCHD?
MDPL and SCHD share 4 common holdings with a 5.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDPL or SCHD?
MDPL yields 1.66% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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