SCHD vs UYG
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs ProShares Ultra Financials
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | UYG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.94% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $856M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 11.14% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 89 | |
| YTD Return | +28.48% | +8.74% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.95% | +12.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.80% | +34.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.27% | +13.55% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 41.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -98.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jan 30, 2007 |
SCHD vs UYG Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and ProShares Ultra Financials (UYG) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.95% while UYG returned +12.61%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.48% versus a gain of 8.74% for UYG.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.80% per year against +34.64% for UYG; over five years the annualized figures are +10.27% and +13.55% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.60% annualized vs +0.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.2% compared with 13.7% 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 -98.0% for UYG. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while UYG charges 0.94%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $94 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 11.14% for UYG.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and UYG share 8 holdings out of 169 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or UYG?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while UYG charges 0.94%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or UYG?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.95% vs +12.61% for UYG, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.60% vs +0.28% for UYG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or UYG?
UYG has been the more volatile fund at 41.2% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs UYG -98.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and UYG?
SCHD and UYG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and UYG?
SCHD and UYG share 8 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 169 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or UYG?
SCHD yields 3.13% while UYG yields 11.14%, so UYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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