RSBA vs SCHD
Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage 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 | RSBA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $53M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 16 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.62% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.29% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Return Stacked ETF | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
RSBA vs SCHD Performance
Return Stacked Bonds & Merger Arbitrage ETF (RSBA) is a ETF from Return Stacked ETF and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year RSBA returned -2.29% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, RSBA is down 0.62% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 4.9% for RSBA. 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 -5.5% for RSBA 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RSBA charges 1.01% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $6 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSBA currently yields 2.88% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
RSBA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 111 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RSBA or SCHD?
RSBA has an expense ratio of 1.01% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RSBA or SCHD?
Over the past year RSBA returned -2.29% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RSBA annualized +2.07% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RSBA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.9% for RSBA. Worst drawdown: RSBA -5.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both RSBA and SCHD?
RSBA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RSBA and SCHD?
RSBA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RSBA or SCHD?
RSBA yields 2.88% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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