SCHD vs ZTR
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Virtus Total Return Fund Inc
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. ZTR offers more diversification with 531 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | ZTR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 2.53% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $381M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 7.94% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 770 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | +12.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | +18.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | +15.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +3.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -87.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Feb 24, 2005 |
SCHD vs ZTR Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc (ZTR) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while ZTR returned +18.26%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a gain of 12.64% for ZTR.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.58% per year against +15.53% for ZTR; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +3.68% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs -3.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -87.0% for ZTR. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while ZTR charges 2.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $253 annually, a gap of $247 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 7.94% for ZTR.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and ZTR share 1 holdings out of 630 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in ZTR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKE | 1.50% | 0.93% | 0.57% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or ZTR?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while ZTR charges 2.53%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $247 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or ZTR?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs +18.26% for ZTR, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs -3.23% for ZTR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or ZTR?
ZTR has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs ZTR -87.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and ZTR?
SCHD and ZTR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and ZTR?
SCHD and ZTR share 1 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 630 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or ZTR?
SCHD yields 3.31% while ZTR yields 7.94%, so ZTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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