SCHD vs ZALT
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Innovator US Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly
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 | ZALT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.69% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $776M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +25.58% | +5.71% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.06% | +9.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.55% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.61% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 3.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Oct 2, 2023 |
SCHD vs ZALT Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Innovator US Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (ZALT) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.06% while ZALT returned +9.57%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.58% versus a gain of 5.71% for ZALT.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 3.9% for ZALT. 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 -8.2% for ZALT. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while ZALT charges 0.69%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $69 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for ZALT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or ZALT?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while ZALT charges 0.69%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or ZALT?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.06% vs +9.57% for ZALT, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.46% vs +10.98% for ZALT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or ZALT?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 3.9% for ZALT. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs ZALT -8.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and ZALT?
SCHD and ZALT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or ZALT?
SCHD yields 3.31% while ZALT yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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