SCHD vs SPDN
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1X ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SPDN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.48% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $233M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 3.32% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +27.67% | -8.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.56% | -12.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.53% | -12.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.95% | -8.07% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -76.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jun 8, 2016 |
SCHD vs SPDN Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 1X ETF (SPDN) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year SCHD returned +29.56% while SPDN returned -12.19%. Year to date, SCHD is up 27.67% versus a loss of 8.89% for SPDN.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.53% per year against -12.98% for SPDN; over five years the annualized figures are +9.95% and -8.07% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.55% annualized vs -12.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPDN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -76.8% for SPDN. 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 -0.81. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SPDN charges 0.48%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $48 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 3.32% for SPDN.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SPDN share 0 holdings out of 103 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 SPDN?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPDN charges 0.48%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SPDN?
Over the past year SCHD returned +29.56% vs -12.19% for SPDN, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SCHD annualized +11.55% vs -12.77% for SPDN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SPDN?
SPDN has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPDN -76.8%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SPDN?
SCHD and SPDN have a monthly-return correlation of -0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SPDN?
SCHD and SPDN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SPDN?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SPDN yields 3.32%, so SPDN 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.