QHDG vs SCHD
Innovator Hedged Nasdaq-100 ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QHDG offers more diversification with 101 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QHDG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.47% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.28% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 19, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QHDG vs SCHD Performance
Innovator Hedged Nasdaq-100 ETF (QHDG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QHDG returned +10.28% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, QHDG is up 1.47% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 8.8% for QHDG. 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 -15.3% for QHDG 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 0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QHDG charges 0.79% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $6 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QHDG currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QHDG and SCHD share 8 holdings out of 193 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QHDG or SCHD?
QHDG has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QHDG or SCHD?
Over the past year QHDG returned +10.28% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QHDG annualized +10.58% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QHDG or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 8.8% for QHDG. Worst drawdown: QHDG -15.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QHDG and SCHD?
QHDG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QHDG and SCHD?
QHDG and SCHD share 8 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 193 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QHDG or SCHD?
QHDG yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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