SCHD vs SMDD
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs UltraPro Short MidCap400
Which is better, SCHD or SMDD?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.76, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SMDD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06%Best | 0.95% |
| AUM | $112.1B | $2M |
| Dividend Yield | 3.00% | 5.65% |
| Holdings | 103 | 5 |
| YTD Return | +24.23%Best | -25.84% |
| 1Y Return | +27.90%Best | -31.41% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.55%Best | -35.61% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.97%Best | -28.92% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6%Best | 51.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | - |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,083Best | $1,814 |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ProShares |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Trading-Inverse Equity |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Feb 9, 2010 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 20, 2011 to Sep 17, 2026 (14.9 years).
SCHD vs SMDD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 14.9 years both funds cover.
SCHD vs SMDD Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and UltraPro Short MidCap400 (SMDD) is an ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SCHD returned +27.90% while SMDD returned -31.41%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.23% versus a loss of 25.84% for SMDD.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.55% per year against -35.61% for SMDD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.97% and -28.92% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.30% annualized vs -37.81%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 51.5% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.76. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMDD 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 3.00% against 5.65% for SMDD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SCHD and SMDD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SMDD?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMDD charges 0.95%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $89 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMDD?
Over the past year SCHD returned +27.90% vs -31.41% for SMDD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.30% vs -37.81% for SMDD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMDD?
SMDD has been the more volatile fund at 51.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMDD?
SCHD and SMDD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.76, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMDD?
SCHD yields 3.00% while SMDD yields 5.65%, so SMDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SMDD better than SCHD?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.76, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.