QLD vs SCHD
QLD vs SCHD
ProShares Ultra QQQ vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. QLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QLD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QLD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $12.5B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.12% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 127 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +28.69% | +23.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +46.13% | +30.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.22% | +14.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +9.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QLD vs SCHD Performance
ProShares Ultra QQQ (QLD) is a ETF from ProShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QLD returned +46.13% while SCHD returned +30.95%. Year to date, QLD is up 28.69% versus a gain of 23.53% for SCHD.
Over three years, QLD compounded at +40.22% per year against +14.72% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +18.69% and +9.56% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, QLD has the edge at +24.37% annualized vs +11.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.1% 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 -84.0% for QLD 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLD charges 0.95% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $6 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLD currently yields 0.12% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QLD and SCHD share 8 holdings out of 196 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in QLD | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMGN | 0.56% | 4.25% | 3.69% |
| TXN | 0.79% | 3.70% | 2.91% |
| PEP | 0.56% | 3.72% | 3.16% |
| QCOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CMCSA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FAST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PAYX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 8 holdings QLD shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QLD or SCHD?
QLD has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLD or SCHD?
Over the past year QLD returned +46.13% vs +30.95% for SCHD, so QLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), QLD annualized +24.37% vs +11.35% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QLD or SCHD?
QLD has been the more volatile fund at 38.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QLD -84.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QLD and SCHD?
QLD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QLD and SCHD?
QLD and SCHD share 8 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 196 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLD or SCHD?
QLD yields 0.12% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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