SCHD vs WDTE
SCHD vs WDTE
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Defiance S&P 500 Weekly Distribution 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 | WDTE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 1.03% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $66M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 51.34% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +12.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +19.50% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +14.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 10.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -15.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Sep 18, 2023 |
SCHD vs WDTE Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Defiance S&P 500 Weekly Distribution ETF (WDTE) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while WDTE returned +19.50%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 12.63% for WDTE.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +14.81% for WDTE. Across the full 3-year window we track, WDTE has the edge at +14.81% annualized vs +11.39%. 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 10.4% for WDTE. 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 -15.8% for WDTE. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while WDTE charges 1.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $103 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 51.34% for WDTE.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and WDTE share 0 holdings out of 101 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 WDTE?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while WDTE charges 1.03%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or WDTE?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +19.50% for WDTE, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +14.81% for WDTE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or WDTE?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.4% for WDTE. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs WDTE -15.8%.
Should I hold both SCHD and WDTE?
SCHD and WDTE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and WDTE?
SCHD and WDTE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or WDTE?
SCHD yields 3.31% while WDTE yields 51.34%, so WDTE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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