DSU vs SCHD
DSU vs SCHD
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DSU offers more diversification with 898 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSU | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.72% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $619M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.34% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 1,281 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.94% | +22.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.25% | +30.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.99% | +14.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.69% | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 1998 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DSU vs SCHD Performance
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. (DSU) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DSU returned +0.25% while SCHD returned +30.94%. Year to date, DSU is down 0.94% versus a gain of 22.69% for SCHD.
Over three years, DSU compounded at +8.99% per year against +14.20% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.69% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs -2.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% compared with 13.7% 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 -84.1% for DSU and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSU charges 1.72% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $172 vs $6 annually, a gap of $166 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSU currently yields 12.34% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DSU and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 997 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DSU | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFG | 0.00% | 0.25% | 0.25% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSU or SCHD?
DSU has an expense ratio of 1.72% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $166 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSU or SCHD?
Over the past year DSU returned +0.25% vs +30.94% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DSU annualized -2.26% vs +11.31% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSU or SCHD?
DSU has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DSU -84.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DSU and SCHD?
DSU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSU and SCHD?
DSU and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 997 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSU or SCHD?
DSU yields 12.34% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so DSU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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