SCHD vs SZK
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Consumer Staples
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 | SZK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $4M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.66% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +25.58% | -17.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.06% | -6.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.55% | -7.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.61% | -3.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 27.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -99.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jan 30, 2007 |
SCHD vs SZK Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and ProShares UltraShort Consumer Staples (SZK) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.06% while SZK returned -6.37%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.58% versus a loss of 17.37% for SZK.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.55% per year against -7.10% for SZK; over five years the annualized figures are +9.61% and -3.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs -20.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SZK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.5% 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 -99.5% for SZK. 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 -0.76. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SZK charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $95 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 2.66% for SZK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or SZK?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SZK charges 0.95%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SZK?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.06% vs -6.37% for SZK, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.46% vs -20.68% for SZK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SZK?
SZK has been the more volatile fund at 27.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SZK -99.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SZK?
SCHD and SZK have a monthly-return correlation of -0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SZK?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SZK yields 2.66%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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