ROBO vs SCHD
ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. ROBO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROBO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +18.80% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.75% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.52% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.78% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Robo Global | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2013 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ROBO vs SCHD Performance
ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO) is a ETF from Robo Global and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ROBO returned +34.75% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, ROBO is up 18.80% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, ROBO compounded at +15.52% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.78% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +10.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROBO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -43.6% for ROBO 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROBO charges 0.95% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $6 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ROBO currently yields 0.35% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ROBO and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 176 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ROBO | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| QCOM | 1.24% | 2.72% | 1.48% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROBO or SCHD?
ROBO has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ROBO or SCHD?
Over the past year ROBO returned +34.75% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so ROBO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ROBO annualized +10.02% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROBO or SCHD?
ROBO has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ROBO -43.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ROBO and SCHD?
ROBO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ROBO and SCHD?
ROBO and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 176 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROBO or SCHD?
ROBO yields 0.35% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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