SCHD vs SMU
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF
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 | SMU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 1.30% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $45M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | -52.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | -95.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 175.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -98.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Tradr ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jul 10, 2025 |
SCHD vs SMU Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF (SMU) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while SMU returned -95.01%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a loss of 52.98% for SMU.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 175.7% 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 -98.2% for SMU. 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 -0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SMU charges 1.30%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $130 annually, a gap of $124 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for SMU.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SMU share 0 holdings out of 101 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 SMU?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMU charges 1.30%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $124 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMU?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs -95.01% for SMU, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs -94.12% for SMU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMU?
SMU has been the more volatile fund at 175.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SMU -98.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMU?
SCHD and SMU have a monthly-return correlation of -0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SMU?
SCHD and SMU share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SMU?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SMU yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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