QTUM vs SCHD
Defiance Quantum ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. QTUM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QTUM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $5.8B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +33.25% | +27.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.82% | +31.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +46.54% | +16.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +26.22% | +10.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 4, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QTUM vs SCHD Performance
Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) 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 QTUM returned +63.82% while SCHD returned +31.26%. Year to date, QTUM is up 33.25% versus a gain of 27.67% for SCHD.
Over three years, QTUM compounded at +46.54% per year against +16.66% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +26.22% and +10.18% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QTUM has the edge at +26.16% annualized vs +11.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QTUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.2% 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 -38.5% for QTUM 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QTUM charges 0.40% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $6 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QTUM currently yields 0.83% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QTUM and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 184 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QTUM or SCHD?
QTUM has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QTUM or SCHD?
Over the past year QTUM returned +63.82% vs +31.26% for SCHD, so QTUM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QTUM annualized +26.16% vs +11.57% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QTUM or SCHD?
QTUM has been the more volatile fund at 26.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QTUM -38.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QTUM and SCHD?
QTUM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QTUM and SCHD?
QTUM and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 184 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QTUM or SCHD?
QTUM yields 0.83% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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