QTJA vs SCHD
Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January 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 | QTJA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $20M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.64% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.29% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.77% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QTJA vs SCHD Performance
Innovator Growth Accelerated Plus ETF - January (QTJA) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QTJA returned +19.29% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, QTJA is up 12.64% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, QTJA compounded at +17.77% per year against +15.58% for SCHD. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +5.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTJA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -36.1% for QTJA 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
QTJA charges 0.79% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $6 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QTJA currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTJA or SCHD?
QTJA has an expense ratio of 0.79% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QTJA or SCHD?
Over the past year QTJA returned +19.29% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QTJA annualized +5.86% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTJA or SCHD?
QTJA has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QTJA -36.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QTJA and SCHD?
QTJA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTJA or SCHD?
QTJA yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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