MST vs SCHD
Defiance Leveraged Long + Income MSTR 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 | MST | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $14M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.43% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -71.36% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | -95.69% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 108.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MST vs SCHD Performance
Defiance Leveraged Long + Income MSTR ETF (MST) 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 MST returned -95.69% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, MST is down 71.36% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 108.4% 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 -97.7% for MST 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MST charges 1.31% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $6 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MST currently yields 3.43% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MST 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, MST or SCHD?
MST has an expense ratio of 1.31% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MST or SCHD?
Over the past year MST returned -95.69% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MST annualized -92.03% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MST or SCHD?
MST has been the more volatile fund at 108.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MST -97.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MST and SCHD?
MST and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MST and SCHD?
MST and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MST or SCHD?
MST yields 3.43% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so MST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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