SCHD vs SDOG
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs 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 | SCHD | SDOG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.36% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $1.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 3.49% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +20.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +30.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +16.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +11.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -46.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ALPS Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jun 29, 2012 |
SCHD vs SDOG Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and ALPS Sector Dividend Dogs ETF (SDOG) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while SDOG returned +30.53%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 20.66% for SDOG.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +16.93% for SDOG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +11.07% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +9.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -46.4% for SDOG. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SDOG charges 0.36%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $36 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 3.49% for SDOG.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SDOG share 22 holdings out of 128 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SDOG?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SDOG charges 0.36%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SDOG?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +30.53% for SDOG, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +9.35% for SDOG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SDOG?
SDOG has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SDOG -46.4%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SDOG?
SCHD and SDOG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SDOG?
SCHD and SDOG share 22 common holdings with a 32.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 128 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SDOG?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SDOG yields 3.49%, so SDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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