SCHD vs STRN
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs SMART Trend 25 ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. STRN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | STRN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.59% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $28M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.16% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +26.21% | +22.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.99% | +36.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.73% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 28.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -15.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | SMART Wealth, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Aug 20, 2025 |
SCHD vs STRN Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and SMART Trend 25 ETF (STRN) is a ETF from SMART Wealth, LLC. Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% while STRN returned +36.75%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.21% versus a gain of 22.37% for STRN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STRN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.2% 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 -15.4% for STRN. 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while STRN charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $59 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 0.16% for STRN.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and STRN share 0 holdings out of 125 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 STRN?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while STRN charges 0.59%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or STRN?
Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% vs +36.75% for STRN, so STRN leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or STRN?
STRN has been the more volatile fund at 28.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs STRN -15.4%.
Should I hold both SCHD and STRN?
SCHD and STRN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and STRN?
SCHD and STRN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or STRN?
SCHD yields 3.13% while STRN yields 0.16%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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