SCHD vs SPDG
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDG has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDG offers more diversification with 278 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SPDG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $12M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.70% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 279 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +17.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +27.20% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +19.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 11.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -15.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Sep 11, 2023 |
SCHD vs SPDG Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P Sector Neutral Dividend ETF (SPDG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while SPDG returned +27.20%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 17.20% for SPDG.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +19.92% for SPDG. Across the full 3-year window we track, SPDG has the edge at +19.92% annualized vs +11.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 11.9% for SPDG. 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 -15.7% for SPDG. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SPDG charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 2.70% for SPDG.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SPDG share 48 holdings out of 330 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SPDG?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPDG charges 0.05%. SPDG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SPDG?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +27.20% for SPDG, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +19.92% for SPDG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SPDG?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 11.9% for SPDG. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPDG -15.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SPDG?
SCHD and SPDG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SPDG?
SCHD and SPDG share 48 common holdings with a 29.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 330 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SPDG?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SPDG yields 2.70%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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