QTOP vs SCHD
iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks 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 | QTOP | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $278M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.33% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +17.40% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.88% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QTOP vs SCHD Performance
iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ETF (QTOP) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QTOP returned +25.88% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, QTOP is up 17.40% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTOP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -23.1% for QTOP 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 0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTOP charges 0.20% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QTOP currently yields 0.33% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QTOP and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 129 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTOP or SCHD?
QTOP has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QTOP or SCHD?
Over the past year QTOP returned +25.88% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QTOP annualized +26.26% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTOP or SCHD?
QTOP has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QTOP -23.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QTOP and SCHD?
QTOP and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QTOP and SCHD?
QTOP and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTOP or SCHD?
QTOP yields 0.33% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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