PALD vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPALDSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio1.02%0.06%
AUM$2M$103.7B
Dividend Yield5.25%3.31%
Holdings9104
YTD Return-59.34%+26.21%
1Y Return-60.02%+29.99%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.73%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.67%
Volatility (annualized)48.2%13.6%
Max Drawdown-67.4%-33.4%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMar 26, 2025Oct 20, 2011

PALD vs SCHD Performance

Direxion Daily PANW Bear 1X ETF (PALD) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PALD returned -60.02% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, PALD is down 59.34% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PALD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.2% 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 -67.4% for PALD 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PALD charges 1.02% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $6 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PALD currently yields 5.25% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PALD and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 104 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, PALD or SCHD?

PALD has an expense ratio of 1.02% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PALD or SCHD?

Over the past year PALD returned -60.02% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PALD annualized -48.03% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PALD or SCHD?

PALD has been the more volatile fund at 48.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PALD -67.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both PALD and SCHD?

PALD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PALD and SCHD?

PALD and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PALD or SCHD?

PALD yields 5.25% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PALD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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