SCHD vs SCIO
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCIO offers more diversification with 444 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SCIO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.70% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $531M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 5.87% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 444 | |
| YTD Return | +28.70% | +1.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.27% | +3.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 2.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -1.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Feb 27, 2024 |
SCHD vs SCIO Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +32.27% while SCIO returned +3.98%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.70% versus a gain of 1.97% for SCIO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 2.5% for SCIO. 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -1.7% for SCIO. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SCIO charges 0.70%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $70 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 5.87% for SCIO.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SCIO share 0 holdings out of 156 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, SCHD or SCIO?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SCIO charges 0.70%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SCIO?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.27% vs +3.98% for SCIO, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.63% vs +7.23% for SCIO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SCIO?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 2.5% for SCIO. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SCIO -1.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SCIO?
SCHD and SCIO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SCIO?
SCHD and SCIO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 156 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SCIO?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SCIO yields 5.87%, so SCIO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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