SCHD vs USAI
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF
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 | USAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $130M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 4.23% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 37 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +20.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +20.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +23.39% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +20.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 28.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -69.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Pacer ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 12, 2017 |
SCHD vs USAI Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF (USAI) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while USAI returned +20.24%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 20.74% for USAI.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +23.39% for USAI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +20.40% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +10.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.6% 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 -69.3% for USAI. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while USAI charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $75 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 4.23% for USAI.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and USAI share 1 holdings out of 134 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in USAI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKE | 1.50% | 4.30% | 2.80% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or USAI?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while USAI charges 0.75%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or USAI?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +20.24% for USAI, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +10.70% for USAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or USAI?
USAI has been the more volatile fund at 28.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs USAI -69.3%.
Should I hold both SCHD and USAI?
SCHD and USAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and USAI?
SCHD and USAI share 1 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 134 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or USAI?
SCHD yields 3.31% while USAI yields 4.23%, so USAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.