SCHD vs UAUG
SCHD vs UAUG
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - August
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 | UAUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $162M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +7.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +12.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +13.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +8.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 7.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -13.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jul 31, 2019 |
SCHD vs UAUG Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - August (UAUG) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while UAUG returned +12.65%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 7.58% for UAUG.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +13.44% for UAUG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +8.46% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 7.8% for UAUG. 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 -13.9% for UAUG. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while UAUG charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $79 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for UAUG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or UAUG?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while UAUG charges 0.79%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or UAUG?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +12.65% for UAUG, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +8.14% for UAUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or UAUG?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.8% for UAUG. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs UAUG -13.9%.
Should I hold both SCHD and UAUG?
SCHD and UAUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or UAUG?
SCHD yields 3.31% while UAUG yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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