RETL vs SCHD
Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X 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 | RETL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $30M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.51% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.05% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.80% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.89% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -26.31% | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 70.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -92.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 14, 2010 | Oct 20, 2011 |
RETL vs SCHD Performance
Direxion Daily Retail Bull 3X ETF (RETL) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year RETL returned -4.80% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, RETL is down 0.05% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, RETL compounded at +7.89% per year against +15.73% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -26.31% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, RETL has the edge at +13.36% annualized vs +11.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RETL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 70.4% 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 -92.0% for RETL 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RETL charges 0.96% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $6 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RETL currently yields 0.51% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
RETL and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 173 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RETL or SCHD?
RETL has an expense ratio of 0.96% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RETL or SCHD?
Over the past year RETL returned -4.80% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), RETL annualized +13.36% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RETL or SCHD?
RETL has been the more volatile fund at 70.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: RETL -92.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both RETL and SCHD?
RETL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RETL and SCHD?
RETL and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 173 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RETL or SCHD?
RETL yields 0.51% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.