QQQY vs SCHD
Defiance Nasdaq 100 Weekly Distribution 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QQQY | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $189M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 36.53% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.79% | +28.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.93% | +32.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.05% | +17.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QQQY vs SCHD Performance
Defiance Nasdaq 100 Weekly Distribution ETF (QQQY) 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 QQQY returned +23.93% while SCHD returned +32.27%. Year to date, QQQY is up 14.79% versus a gain of 28.70% for SCHD.
Over three years, QQQY compounded at +28.05% per year against +17.27% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, QQQY has the edge at +28.05% annualized vs +11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% compared with 13.7% 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 -12.6% for QQQY 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 0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QQQY charges 1.01% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $6 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QQQY currently yields 36.53% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QQQY and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, QQQY or SCHD?
QQQY has an expense ratio of 1.01% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QQQY or SCHD?
Over the past year QQQY returned +23.93% vs +32.27% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), QQQY annualized +28.05% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QQQY or SCHD?
QQQY has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QQQY -12.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QQQY and SCHD?
QQQY and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QQQY and SCHD?
QQQY and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QQQY or SCHD?
QQQY yields 36.53% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so QQQY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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