ROM vs SCHD
ROM vs SCHD
ProShares Ultra Technology vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. ROM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 90 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +53.46% | +23.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +82.51% | +30.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.81% | +14.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.20% | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ROM vs SCHD Performance
ProShares Ultra Technology (ROM) is a ETF from ProShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ROM returned +82.51% while SCHD returned +30.42%. Year to date, ROM is up 53.46% versus a gain of 23.31% for SCHD.
Over three years, ROM compounded at +49.81% per year against +14.66% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +22.20% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, ROM has the edge at +24.03% annualized vs +11.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.9% 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 -83.8% for ROM 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROM 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, ROM currently yields 0.06% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ROM and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 172 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROM or SCHD?
ROM 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, ROM or SCHD?
Over the past year ROM returned +82.51% vs +30.42% for SCHD, so ROM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ROM annualized +24.03% vs +11.34% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROM or SCHD?
ROM has been the more volatile fund at 41.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ROM -83.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ROM and SCHD?
ROM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ROM and SCHD?
ROM and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 172 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROM or SCHD?
ROM yields 0.06% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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