SCHD vs ZJAN
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr January
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 | ZJAN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $115M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +26.21% | +3.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.99% | +6.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.73% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 2.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -3.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jan 2, 2025 |
SCHD vs ZJAN Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr January (ZJAN) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% while ZJAN returned +6.10%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.21% versus a gain of 3.23% for ZJAN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 2.5% for ZJAN. 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 -3.2% for ZJAN. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while ZJAN charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $79 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for ZJAN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or ZJAN?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while ZJAN charges 0.79%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or ZJAN?
Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% vs +6.10% for ZJAN, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs +6.32% for ZJAN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or ZJAN?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.5% for ZJAN. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs ZJAN -3.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and ZJAN?
SCHD and ZJAN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or ZJAN?
SCHD yields 3.31% while ZJAN yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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