SCHD vs USL
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs United States 12 Month Oil Fund
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. USL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | USL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 1.02% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $45M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | +53.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | +42.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | +10.68% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +15.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 29.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -89.1% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 6, 2007 |
SCHD vs USL Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and United States 12 Month Oil Fund (USL) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while USL returned +42.78%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a gain of 53.07% for USL.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.58% per year against +10.68% for USL; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +15.29% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs -0.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.4% 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 -89.1% for USL. 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while USL charges 1.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $102 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for USL.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and USL share 0 holdings out of 102 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 USL?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while USL charges 1.02%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or USL?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs +42.78% for USL, so USL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs -0.05% for USL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or USL?
USL has been the more volatile fund at 29.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs USL -89.1%.
Should I hold both SCHD and USL?
SCHD and USL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and USL?
SCHD and USL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 102 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or USL?
SCHD yields 3.31% while USL yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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