SCHD vs SPXS
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SPXS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 1.04% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $349M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 3.21% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +25.58% | -30.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.06% | -41.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.55% | -41.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.61% | -33.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 41.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Nov 5, 2008 |
SCHD vs SPXS Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Direxion Daily S&P 500 Bear 3X ETF (SPXS) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.06% while SPXS returned -41.22%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.58% versus a loss of 30.67% for SPXS.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.55% per year against -41.98% for SPXS; over five years the annualized figures are +9.61% and -33.52% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs -44.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPXS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.5% 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 -100.0% for SPXS. 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 -0.80. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SPXS charges 1.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $104 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 3.21% for SPXS.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SPXS share 0 holdings out of 104 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 SPXS?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPXS charges 1.04%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SPXS?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.06% vs -41.22% for SPXS, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.46% vs -44.18% for SPXS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SPXS?
SPXS has been the more volatile fund at 41.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPXS -100.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SPXS?
SCHD and SPXS have a monthly-return correlation of -0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SPXS?
SCHD and SPXS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SPXS?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SPXS yields 3.21%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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