PALU vs SCHD
Direxion Daily PANW Bull 2X ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. PALU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PALU | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $25M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.75% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +279.71% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +269.85% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 134.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PALU vs SCHD Performance
Direxion Daily PANW Bull 2X ETF (PALU) 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 PALU returned +269.85% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, PALU is up 279.71% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PALU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 134.4% 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 -62.2% for PALU 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 -0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PALU charges 1.08% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $6 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PALU currently yields 3.75% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PALU and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 105 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, PALU or SCHD?
PALU has an expense ratio of 1.08% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PALU or SCHD?
Over the past year PALU returned +269.85% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so PALU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PALU annualized +120.72% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PALU or SCHD?
PALU has been the more volatile fund at 134.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PALU -62.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PALU and SCHD?
PALU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PALU and SCHD?
PALU and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 105 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PALU or SCHD?
PALU yields 3.75% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PALU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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