QQEW vs SCHD
First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight 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 | QQEW | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.20% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +15.71% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.93% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.43% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.98% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QQEW vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Nasdaq-100 Select Equal Weight ETF (QQEW) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QQEW returned +19.93% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, QQEW is up 15.71% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, QQEW compounded at +15.43% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.98% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +11.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% 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 -58.2% for QQEW 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQEW charges 0.55% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $6 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQEW currently yields 0.20% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QQEW and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 146 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQEW or SCHD?
QQEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQEW or SCHD?
Over the past year QQEW returned +19.93% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QQEW annualized +11.15% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQEW or SCHD?
QQEW has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QQEW -58.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QQEW and SCHD?
QQEW and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQEW and SCHD?
QQEW and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 8.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 146 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQEW or SCHD?
QQEW yields 0.20% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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