SCHD vs SPCL
SCHD vs SPCL
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Defiance Daily 2X Space 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 | SPCL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 1.31% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $15M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 1 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | -0.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | -0.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 5914283.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Apr 7, 2026 |
SCHD vs SPCL Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Defiance Daily 2X Space ETF (SPCL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while SPCL returned -0.16%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a loss of 0.16% for SPCL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPCL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5914283.0% 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 SPCL. 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 0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SPCL charges 1.31%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $131 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for SPCL.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SPCL 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 SPCL?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPCL charges 1.31%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SPCL?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs -0.16% for SPCL, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +36.12% for SPCL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SPCL?
SPCL has been the more volatile fund at 5914283.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPCL -100.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SPCL?
SCHD and SPCL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SPCL?
SCHD and SPCL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SPCL?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SPCL yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.