SCHD vs SDOW
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30
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 | SCHD | SDOW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $177M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 5.42% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 17 | |
| YTD Return | +28.63% | -26.41% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.53% | -40.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.97% | -59.28% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.47% | -44.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 42.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Feb 9, 2010 |
SCHD vs SDOW Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and ProShares UltraPro Short Dow30 (SDOW) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.53% while SDOW returned -40.15%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.63% versus a loss of 26.41% for SDOW.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.97% per year against -59.28% for SDOW; over five years the annualized figures are +10.47% and -44.36% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs -43.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.7% compared with 13.7% 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 -100.0% for SDOW. 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 -0.78. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SDOW charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $95 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 5.42% for SDOW.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SDOW share 0 holdings out of 101 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 SDOW?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SDOW charges 0.95%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SDOW?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.53% vs -40.15% for SDOW, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.63% vs -43.26% for SDOW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SDOW?
SDOW has been the more volatile fund at 42.7% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SDOW -100.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SDOW?
SCHD and SDOW have a monthly-return correlation of -0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SDOW?
SCHD and SDOW share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SDOW?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SDOW yields 5.42%, so SDOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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