QQH vs SCHD
HCM Defender 100 Index 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 | QQH | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $706M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.19% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 93 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.80% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.12% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.96% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.13% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Howard Capital Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2019 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QQH vs SCHD Performance
HCM Defender 100 Index ETF (QQH) is a ETF from Howard Capital Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QQH returned +18.12% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, QQH is up 9.80% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, QQH compounded at +21.96% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.13% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, QQH has the edge at +19.53% annualized vs +11.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQH 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 -41.9% for QQH 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQH charges 0.98% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $6 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQH currently yields 0.19% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QQH and SCHD share 8 holdings out of 184 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQH or SCHD?
QQH has an expense ratio of 0.98% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQH or SCHD?
Over the past year QQH returned +18.12% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), QQH annualized +19.53% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQH or SCHD?
QQH has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QQH -41.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QQH and SCHD?
QQH and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQH and SCHD?
QQH and SCHD share 8 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 184 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQH or SCHD?
QQH yields 0.19% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.