SCHD vs ZVOL
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Volatility Premium Plus ETF
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 | ZVOL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 1.42% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 74.79% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +26.21% | -15.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.99% | -7.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.73% | -1.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.67% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 55.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -64.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Volatility Shares, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Nov 22, 2024 |
SCHD vs ZVOL Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL) is a ETF from Volatility Shares, LLC. Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% while ZVOL returned -7.47%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.21% versus a loss of 15.49% for ZVOL.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.73% per year against -1.59% for ZVOL. Across the full 3-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.3% 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 -64.5% for ZVOL. 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while ZVOL charges 1.42%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $142 annually, a gap of $136 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 74.79% for ZVOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or ZVOL?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while ZVOL charges 1.42%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $136 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or ZVOL?
Over the past year SCHD returned +29.99% vs -7.47% for ZVOL, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs +7.03% for ZVOL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or ZVOL?
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund at 55.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs ZVOL -64.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and ZVOL?
SCHD and ZVOL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or ZVOL?
SCHD yields 3.13% while ZVOL yields 74.79%, so ZVOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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