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

MetricSCHDSIXJWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.74%
AUM$103.7B$145M
Dividend Yield3.31%0.00%
Holdings1045
YTD Return+24.26%+8.63%
1Y Return+31.38%+14.79%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%+14.12%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%-
Volatility (annualized)13.6%8.6%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-14.1%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementAllianzIM
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionOct 20, 2011Dec 31, 2021

SCHD vs SIXJ Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and AllianzIM US Equity 6 Month Buffer10 Jan/Jul ETF (SIXJ) is a ETF from AllianzIM. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while SIXJ returned +14.79%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 8.63% for SIXJ.

Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +14.12% for SIXJ. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 8.6% for SIXJ. 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 -14.1% for SIXJ. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SIXJ 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 SIXJ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or SIXJ?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SIXJ 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 SIXJ?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +14.79% for SIXJ, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +8.91% for SIXJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or SIXJ?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 8.6% for SIXJ. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SIXJ -14.1%.

Should I hold both SCHD and SIXJ?

SCHD and SIXJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SIXJ?

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

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