SCHD vs SEPU

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDSEPUWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.74%
AUM$103.7B$156M
Dividend Yield3.31%0.00%
Holdings1044
YTD Return+24.26%+10.65%
1Y Return+31.38%+18.05%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%-
Volatility (annualized)13.6%9.5%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-11.8%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementAllianzIM
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionOct 20, 2011Aug 30, 2024

SCHD vs SEPU Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Sep ETF (SEPU) is a ETF from AllianzIM. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while SEPU returned +18.05%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 10.65% for SEPU.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 9.5% for SEPU. 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 -11.8% for SEPU. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SEPU charges 0.74%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $74 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for SEPU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or SEPU?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SEPU charges 0.74%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or SEPU?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +18.05% for SEPU, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +14.60% for SEPU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or SEPU?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 9.5% for SEPU. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SEPU -11.8%.

Should I hold both SCHD and SEPU?

SCHD and SEPU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SEPU?

SCHD yields 3.31% while SEPU yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

X-ray your whole portfolio
$99/yr7-day refund. ETFs, mutual funds, 401(k)s.
Get Pro →