SCHD vs SPE
SCHD vs SPE
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Special Opportunities Fund Inc
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPE offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SPE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 4.89% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $171M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 8.31% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 158 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | -3.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | -4.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +15.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +7.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 13.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -58.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Special Opportunities Fund | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jun 8, 1993 |
SCHD vs SPE Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Special Opportunities Fund Inc (SPE) is a ETF from Special Opportunities Fund. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while SPE returned -4.62%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a loss of 3.40% for SPE.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +15.07% for SPE; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +7.14% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +2.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.8% 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 -58.5% for SPE. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SPE charges 4.89%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $489 annually, a gap of $483 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 8.31% for SPE.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SPE share 0 holdings out of 204 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 SPE?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPE charges 4.89%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $483 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SPE?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs -4.62% for SPE, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +2.05% for SPE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SPE?
SPE has been the more volatile fund at 13.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPE -58.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SPE?
SCHD and SPE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SPE?
SCHD and SPE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 204 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SPE?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SPE yields 8.31%, so SPE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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