SCHD vs SMU
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF
Which is better, SCHD or SMU?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.53, 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 | SMU |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06%Best | 1.30% |
| AUM | $108.9B | $42M |
| Dividend Yield | 3.00% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 206 | 6 |
| YTD Return | +20.89%Best | +14.90% |
| 1Y Return | +23.87%Best | -86.93% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.42% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.40% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1%Best | 223.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -6.9%Best | -98.2% |
| $10,000 over 1.2 years | $12,451Best | $1,194 |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Tradr ETFs |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Trading-Leveraged Equity |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jul 10, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 11, 2025 to Oct 2, 2026 (1.2 years).
SCHD vs SMU 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 1.2 years both funds cover.
SCHD vs SMU Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF (SMU) is an ETF from Tradr ETFs. Over the past year SCHD returned +23.87% while SMU returned -86.93%. Year to date, SCHD is up 20.89% versus a gain of 14.90% for SMU.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 223.0% compared with 14.1% 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 -6.9% for SCHD and -98.2% for SMU. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.53. 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 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 3.00% against 0.00% for SMU.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SCHD and SMU 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 SMU?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SMU charges 1.30%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $124 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SCHD or SMU?
Over the past year SCHD returned +23.87% vs -86.93% for SMU, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SCHD annualized +20.04% vs -82.98% for SMU. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SMU?
SMU has been the more volatile fund at 223.0% annualized versus 14.1% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -6.9% vs SMU -98.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SMU?
SCHD and SMU have a monthly-return correlation of -0.53, 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 SMU?
SCHD yields 3.00% while SMU yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SMU better than SCHD?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.53, 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.