SCHD vs SSPY
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Stratified LargeCap Index ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SSPY offers more diversification with 507 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SSPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $133M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 1.22% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 507 | |
| YTD Return | +28.70% | +15.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.27% | +21.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.27% | +15.84% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +9.57% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 17.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -36.7% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Syntax Stratified | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jan 2, 2019 |
SCHD vs SSPY Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Stratified LargeCap Index ETF (SSPY) is a ETF from Syntax Stratified. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.27% while SSPY returned +21.51%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.70% versus a gain of 15.79% for SSPY.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +17.27% per year against +15.84% for SSPY; over five years the annualized figures are +10.23% and +9.57% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SSPY has the edge at +14.05% annualized vs +11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SSPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% compared with 13.7% 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 -36.7% for SSPY. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SSPY charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $45 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 1.22% for SSPY.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SSPY share 46 holdings out of 558 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SSPY?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SSPY charges 0.45%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SSPY?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.27% vs +21.51% for SSPY, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SCHD annualized +11.63% vs +14.05% for SSPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SSPY?
SSPY has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SSPY -36.7%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SSPY?
SCHD and SSPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SSPY?
SCHD and SSPY share 46 common holdings with a 11.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 558 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SSPY?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SSPY yields 1.22%, so SCHD 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.