MZZ vs SCHD
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 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 | MZZ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.88% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -25.11% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | -34.94% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -22.26% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -17.34% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MZZ vs SCHD Performance
ProShares UltraShort MidCap 400 (MZZ) is a ETF from ProShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MZZ returned -34.94% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, MZZ is down 25.11% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, MZZ compounded at -22.26% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -17.34% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs -31.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MZZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.9% 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 -99.9% for MZZ 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 -0.85. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MZZ charges 0.95% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $6 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MZZ currently yields 5.88% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MZZ or SCHD?
MZZ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MZZ or SCHD?
Over the past year MZZ returned -34.94% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), MZZ annualized -31.05% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MZZ or SCHD?
MZZ has been the more volatile fund at 34.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MZZ -99.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MZZ and SCHD?
MZZ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, MZZ or SCHD?
MZZ yields 5.88% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so MZZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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