SCHD vs SMCX

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

MetricSCHDSMCXWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%1.43%
AUM$103.7B$142M
Dividend Yield3.31%0.00%
Holdings10412
YTD Return+25.62%-63.79%
1Y Return+32.62%-87.07%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.58%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.63%-
Volatility (annualized)13.6%178.1%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-99.2%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementDefiance ETFs, LLC
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionOct 20, 2011Aug 21, 2024

SCHD vs SMCX Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SMCI ETF (SMCX) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while SMCX returned -87.07%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a loss of 63.79% for SMCX.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SMCX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 178.1% 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 -99.2% for SMCX. 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 0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMCX charges 1.43%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $143 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for SMCX.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHD and SMCX share 0 holdings out of 103 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 SMCX?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMCX charges 1.43%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $137 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or SMCX?

Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs -87.07% for SMCX, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs -89.11% for SMCX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or SMCX?

SMCX has been the more volatile fund at 178.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMCX -99.2%.

Should I hold both SCHD and SMCX?

SCHD and SMCX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMCX?

SCHD and SMCX share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMCX?

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

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