SCHD vs SPD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDSPDWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.53%
AUM$103.7B$104M
Dividend Yield3.31%0.97%
Holdings10414
YTD Return+24.26%+10.58%
1Y Return+31.38%+15.55%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%+17.45%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%+8.15%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%14.2%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-27.4%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementSimplify Exchange Traded Funds
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 20, 2011Sep 3, 2020

SCHD vs SPD Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Simplify US Equity PLUS Downside Convexity ETF (SPD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while SPD returned +15.55%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 10.58% for SPD.

Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +17.45% for SPD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +8.15% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +11.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% 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 -27.4% for SPD. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SPD charges 0.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $53 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.97% for SPD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHD and SPD 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 SPD?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPD charges 0.53%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or SPD?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +15.55% for SPD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +11.13% for SPD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or SPD?

SPD has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPD -27.4%.

Should I hold both SCHD and SPD?

SCHD and SPD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SPD?

SCHD and SPD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SPD?

SCHD yields 3.31% while SPD yields 0.97%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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