QUSA vs SCHD
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income 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 | QUSA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $22M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.57% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 97 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.14% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.26% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | VistaShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 6, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QUSA vs SCHD Performance
VistaShares Target 15 USA Quality Income ETF (QUSA) is a ETF from VistaShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QUSA returned +6.26% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, QUSA is up 11.14% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.2% for QUSA. 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 -9.5% for QUSA 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QUSA charges 0.97% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $6 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QUSA currently yields 15.57% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QUSA and SCHD share 6 holdings out of 124 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QUSA or SCHD?
QUSA has an expense ratio of 0.97% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QUSA or SCHD?
Over the past year QUSA returned +6.26% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), QUSA annualized +9.07% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QUSA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.2% for QUSA. Worst drawdown: QUSA -9.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QUSA and SCHD?
QUSA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QUSA and SCHD?
QUSA and SCHD share 6 common holdings with a 15.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 124 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QUSA or SCHD?
QUSA yields 15.57% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so QUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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