SCHD vs USEP
SCHD vs USEP
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - September
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 | USEP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $148M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +6.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +11.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +12.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +8.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 7.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -13.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Aug 30, 2019 |
SCHD vs USEP Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Innovator U.S. Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - September (USEP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while USEP returned +11.63%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 6.49% for USEP.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +12.22% for USEP; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +8.27% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.08%. 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 7.1% for USEP. 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 -13.4% for USEP. 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 USEP 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 USEP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or USEP?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while USEP 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 USEP?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +11.63% for USEP, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +8.08% for USEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or USEP?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.1% for USEP. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs USEP -13.4%.
Should I hold both SCHD and USEP?
SCHD and USEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or USEP?
SCHD yields 3.31% while USEP yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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