QLDY vs SCHD
Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLDY | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.04% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $48M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 30.41% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.64% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.42% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QLDY vs SCHD Performance
Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF (QLDY) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QLDY returned +17.42% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, QLDY is up 14.64% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -14.8% for QLDY and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLDY charges 1.04% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $104 vs $6 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLDY currently yields 30.41% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QLDY and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 102 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, QLDY or SCHD?
QLDY has an expense ratio of 1.04% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLDY or SCHD?
Over the past year QLDY returned +17.42% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between QLDY and SCHD?
QLDY and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 102 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLDY or SCHD?
QLDY yields 30.41% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so QLDY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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