SCHD vs UDEC
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - December
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 | UDEC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $247M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +7.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +14.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +11.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +7.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 54.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -68.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 1, 2019 |
SCHD vs UDEC Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - December (UDEC) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while UDEC returned +14.92%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 7.07% for UDEC.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +11.73% for UDEC; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +7.51% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +1.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UDEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 54.7% 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 -68.5% for UDEC. 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 0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while UDEC 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 UDEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or UDEC?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while UDEC 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 UDEC?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +14.92% for UDEC, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +1.00% for UDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or UDEC?
UDEC has been the more volatile fund at 54.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs UDEC -68.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and UDEC?
SCHD and UDEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or UDEC?
SCHD yields 3.31% while UDEC yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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