SCHD vs UPSD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: Tied

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDUPSDWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.79%
AUM$103.7B$114M
Dividend Yield3.31%0.68%
Holdings104103
YTD Return+24.26%+12.83%
1Y Return+31.38%+21.15%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%-
Volatility (annualized)13.6%14.4%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-23.9%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementAptus ETFs
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 20, 2011Nov 20, 2024

SCHD vs UPSD Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Aptus Large Cap Upside ETF (UPSD) is a ETF from Aptus ETFs. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while UPSD returned +21.15%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 12.83% for UPSD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

UPSD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.4% 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 -23.9% for UPSD. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while UPSD 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 0.68% for UPSD.

Holdings Overlap

6.9%overlap

SCHD and UPSD share 9 holdings out of 191 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SCHDWeight in UPSDDifference
KO4.08%1.02%3.06%
MRK4.32%0.54%3.78%
PG4.15%0.65%3.50%
PEPProProPro
MOProProPro
LMTProProPro
ADPProProPro
HSYProProPro
BRProProPro
See all 9 holdings SCHD shares with UPSD
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or UPSD?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while UPSD 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 UPSD?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +21.15% for UPSD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +11.47% for UPSD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or UPSD?

UPSD has been the more volatile fund at 14.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs UPSD -23.9%.

Should I hold both SCHD and UPSD?

SCHD and UPSD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and UPSD?

SCHD and UPSD share 9 common holdings with a 6.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 191 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or UPSD?

SCHD yields 3.31% while UPSD yields 0.68%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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