SCHD vs SMDD
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs UltraPro Short MidCap400
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SMDD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $2M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 6.11% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | -37.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | -50.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | -37.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | -30.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 52.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Feb 9, 2010 |
SCHD vs SMDD Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and UltraPro Short MidCap400 (SMDD) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while SMDD returned -50.80%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a loss of 37.91% for SMDD.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.58% per year against -37.08% for SMDD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and -30.62% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs -40.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.4% 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 -100.0% for SMDD. 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 -0.76. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 3.31% against 6.11% for SMDD.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMDD?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs -50.80% for SMDD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs -40.35% for SMDD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMDD?
SMDD has been the more volatile fund at 52.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMDD -100.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMDD?
SCHD and SMDD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMDD?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SMDD yields 6.11%, so SMDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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