POWR vs SCHD
iShares US Power Infrastructure 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | POWR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $463M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.79% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.87% | +27.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.71% | +31.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.89% | +16.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.25% | +10.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Oct 20, 2011 |
POWR vs SCHD Performance
iShares US Power Infrastructure ETF (POWR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year POWR returned +14.71% while SCHD returned +31.26%. Year to date, POWR is up 9.87% versus a gain of 27.67% for SCHD.
Over three years, POWR compounded at +6.89% per year against +16.66% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +17.25% and +10.18% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.57% annualized vs +1.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
POWR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -72.1% for POWR 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
POWR charges 0.39% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $6 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, POWR currently yields 5.79% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
POWR and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 167 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in POWR | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CWEN | 0.15% | 0.10% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, POWR or SCHD?
POWR has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, POWR or SCHD?
Over the past year POWR returned +14.71% vs +31.26% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), POWR annualized +1.97% vs +11.57% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, POWR or SCHD?
POWR has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: POWR -72.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both POWR and SCHD?
POWR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between POWR and SCHD?
POWR and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 167 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, POWR or SCHD?
POWR yields 5.79% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so POWR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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