SCHD vs SDP
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Utilities
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 | SDP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $4M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 4.07% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +27.93% | +0.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.06% | -3.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.25% | -19.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.03% | -13.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 30.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -99.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jan 30, 2007 |
SCHD vs SDP Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and ProShares UltraShort Utilities (SDP) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.06% while SDP returned -3.27%. Year to date, SCHD is up 27.93% versus a gain of 0.70% for SDP.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.25% per year against -19.86% for SDP; over five years the annualized figures are +10.03% and -13.99% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.56% annualized vs -24.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.5% 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 -99.8% for SDP. 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 -0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SDP 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 4.07% for SDP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SDP?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SDP 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 SDP?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.06% vs -3.27% for SDP, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.56% vs -24.51% for SDP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SDP?
SDP has been the more volatile fund at 30.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SDP -99.8%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SDP?
SCHD and SDP have a monthly-return correlation of -0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SDP?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SDP yields 4.07%, so SDP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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