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

MetricSCHDSLTYWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%1.25%
AUM$103.7B$18M
Dividend Yield3.31%73.59%
Holdings104113
YTD Return+24.26%-7.02%
1Y Return+31.38%-20.23%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%-
Volatility (annualized)13.6%16.2%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-20.9%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementYieldMax ETF
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionOct 20, 2011Aug 20, 2025

SCHD vs SLTY Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and YieldMax Ultra Short Option Income Strategy ETF (SLTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while SLTY returned -20.23%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a loss of 7.02% for SLTY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SLTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -20.9% for SLTY. 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 -0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SLTY charges 1.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $125 annually, a gap of $119 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 73.59% for SLTY.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHD and SLTY share 1 holdings out of 127 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SCHDWeight in SLTYDifference
TGT1.63%-4.98%6.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or SLTY?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SLTY charges 1.25%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $119 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or SLTY?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs -20.23% for SLTY, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or SLTY?

SLTY has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SLTY -20.9%.

Should I hold both SCHD and SLTY?

SCHD and SLTY have a monthly-return correlation of -0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SLTY?

SCHD and SLTY share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 127 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SLTY?

SCHD yields 3.31% while SLTY yields 73.59%, so SLTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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