PSQ vs SCHD
ProShares Short QQQ 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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSQ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $641M | $112.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.26% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | -12.56% | +28.33% | |
| 1Y Return | -18.27% | +30.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -16.87% | +16.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -11.76% | +10.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PSQ vs SCHD Performance
ProShares Short QQQ (PSQ) is a ETF from ProShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PSQ returned -18.27% while SCHD returned +30.37%. Year to date, PSQ is down 12.56% versus a gain of 28.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, PSQ compounded at -16.87% per year against +16.64% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -11.76% and +10.04% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.58% annualized vs -17.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -98.4% for PSQ 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 -0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSQ 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, PSQ currently yields 4.26% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PSQ and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, PSQ or SCHD?
PSQ 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, PSQ or SCHD?
Over the past year PSQ returned -18.27% vs +30.37% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PSQ annualized -17.14% vs +11.58% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSQ or SCHD?
PSQ has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PSQ -98.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PSQ and SCHD?
PSQ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSQ and SCHD?
PSQ and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSQ or SCHD?
PSQ yields 4.26% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so PSQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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