State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QUS returned +21.22% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, QUS is up 12.27% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, QUS compounded at +17.54% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.20% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QUS has the edge at +11.77% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

QUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.9% 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 -33.8% for QUS 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

QUS charges 0.15% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $6 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QUS currently yields 1.30% against 3.31% for SCHD.