PILL vs SCHD
Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. PILL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PILL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $21M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 64 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +70.93% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +223.89% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.67% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.06% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 60.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PILL vs SCHD Performance
Direxion Daily Pharmaceutical & Medical Bull 3X ETF (PILL) 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 PILL returned +223.89% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, PILL is up 70.93% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, PILL compounded at +29.67% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +1.06% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs -1.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PILL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 60.2% 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 -88.9% for PILL 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PILL charges 0.98% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $6 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PILL currently yields 0.38% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PILL or SCHD?
PILL has an expense ratio of 0.98% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PILL or SCHD?
Over the past year PILL returned +223.89% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so PILL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PILL annualized -1.21% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PILL or SCHD?
PILL has been the more volatile fund at 60.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PILL -88.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PILL and SCHD?
PILL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PILL and SCHD?
PILL and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 166 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PILL or SCHD?
PILL yields 0.38% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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