SCHD vs VSTL
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST 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 | VSTL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 1.29% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 11 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | -43.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | -66.61% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 43.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -72.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jul 21, 2025 |
SCHD vs VSTL Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Defiance Daily Target 2X Long VST ETF (VSTL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while VSTL returned -66.61%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a loss of 43.50% for VSTL.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.9% 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 -72.0% for VSTL. 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while VSTL charges 1.29%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $129 annually, a gap of $123 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for VSTL.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and VSTL 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 VSTL?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VSTL charges 1.29%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $123 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or VSTL?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs -66.61% for VSTL, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs -61.41% for VSTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or VSTL?
VSTL has been the more volatile fund at 43.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs VSTL -72.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and VSTL?
SCHD and VSTL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and VSTL?
SCHD and VSTL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 102 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or VSTL?
SCHD yields 3.31% while VSTL yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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