SCHD vs SPXU
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500
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 | SPXU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $428M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 6.85% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 19 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | -30.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | -42.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | -42.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | -33.57% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 39.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jun 23, 2009 |
SCHD vs SPXU Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and ProShares UltraPro Short S&P500 (SPXU) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while SPXU returned -42.82%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a loss of 30.19% for SPXU.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.58% per year against -42.07% for SPXU; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and -33.57% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs -42.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPXU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.6% 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 -100.0% for SPXU. 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 SPXU charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $90 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 6.85% for SPXU.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SPXU share 0 holdings out of 101 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 SPXU?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPXU charges 0.90%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SPXU?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs -42.82% for SPXU, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs -42.72% for SPXU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SPXU?
SPXU has been the more volatile fund at 39.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPXU -100.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SPXU?
SCHD and SPXU 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 SPXU?
SCHD and SPXU share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SPXU?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SPXU yields 6.85%, so SPXU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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