SCHD vs UCO
SCHD vs UCO
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. UCO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | UCO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $416M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 9 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +92.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +63.28% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +5.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +16.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 65.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Nov 24, 2008 |
SCHD vs UCO Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil (UCO) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while UCO returned +63.28%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 92.01% for UCO.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +5.75% for UCO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +16.78% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs -24.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UCO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65.1% 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 UCO. 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while UCO 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 0.00% for UCO.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and UCO 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 UCO?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while UCO 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 UCO?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +63.28% for UCO, so UCO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs -24.57% for UCO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or UCO?
UCO has been the more volatile fund at 65.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs UCO -100.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and UCO?
SCHD and UCO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and UCO?
SCHD and UCO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or UCO?
SCHD yields 3.31% while UCO yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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