QQQE vs SCHD
Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQE offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQE | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.56% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +22.20% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.48% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.92% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.43% | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2012 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QQQE vs SCHD Performance
Direxion NASDAQ-100 Equal Weighted Index ETF (QQQE) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QQQE returned +26.48% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, QQQE is up 22.20% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, QQQE compounded at +17.92% per year against +15.73% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.43% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, QQQE has the edge at +14.13% annualized vs +11.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -32.1% for QQQE 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQE charges 0.35% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $6 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQE currently yields 0.56% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QQQE and SCHD share 8 holdings out of 195 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QQQE or SCHD?
QQQE has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQE or SCHD?
Over the past year QQQE returned +26.48% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), QQQE annualized +14.13% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQE or SCHD?
QQQE has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QQQE -32.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QQQE and SCHD?
QQQE and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQE and SCHD?
QQQE and SCHD share 8 common holdings with a 7.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 195 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQE or SCHD?
QQQE yields 0.56% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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