SCHD vs SPTS
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
SPTS has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SPTS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $6.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 3.92% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 100 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +0.61% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +2.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | +4.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | +1.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 2.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -8.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Nov 30, 2011 |
SCHD vs SPTS Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR Portfolio Short Term Treasury ETF (SPTS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while SPTS returned +2.51%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 0.61% for SPTS.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.40% per year against +4.10% for SPTS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.70% and +1.79% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +0.75%. 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 2.6% for SPTS. 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 -8.9% for SPTS. 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SPTS charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 3.92% for SPTS.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SPTS share 0 holdings out of 183 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 SPTS?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPTS charges 0.03%. SPTS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SPTS?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +2.51% for SPTS, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +0.75% for SPTS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SPTS?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.6% for SPTS. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPTS -8.9%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SPTS?
SCHD and SPTS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SPTS?
SCHD and SPTS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 183 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SPTS?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SPTS yields 3.92%, so SPTS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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