SCHD vs SPAM
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Themes Cybersecurity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SPAM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SPAM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.37% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 45 | |
| YTD Return | +26.54% | +54.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.90% | +49.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.29% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.65% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 24.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -24.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Themes ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 8, 2023 |
SCHD vs SPAM Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) is a ETF from Themes ETFs. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% while SPAM returned +49.78%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.54% versus a gain of 54.86% for SPAM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPAM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% 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 -24.0% for SPAM. 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 0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SPAM charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $35 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 0.37% for SPAM.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SPAM share 1 holdings out of 136 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in SPAM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAH | 0.23% | 2.95% | 2.72% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SPAM?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPAM charges 0.35%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SPAM?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.90% vs +49.78% for SPAM, so SPAM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.51% vs +26.44% for SPAM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SPAM?
SPAM has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPAM -24.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SPAM?
SCHD and SPAM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SPAM?
SCHD and SPAM share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SPAM?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SPAM yields 0.37%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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