SCHD vs SPLG
SCHD vs SPLG
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs SPDR(R) Portfolio S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
SPLG has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPLG offers more diversification with 506 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SPLG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.02% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | - | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | - | |
| Holdings | 104 | 506 | |
| YTD Return | +22.69% | +17.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.94% | +18.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.20% | +22.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +17.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -55.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | - | |
| Category | Equity | - | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | - |
SCHD vs SPLG Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and SPDR(R) Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPLG) is a ETF. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.94% while SPLG returned +18.41%. Year to date, SCHD is up 22.69% versus a gain of 17.06% for SPLG.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +14.20% per year against +22.40% for SPLG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +17.46% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs +9.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -55.8% for SPLG. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SPLG charges 0.02%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $2 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SPLG share 45 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in SPLG | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 4.54% | 0.54% | 4.00% |
| ABT | 4.49% | 0.45% | 4.04% |
| PG | 4.15% | 0.71% | 3.44% |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SCHD shares with SPLG 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, SCHD or SPLG?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SPLG charges 0.02%. SPLG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SPLG?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.94% vs +18.41% for SPLG, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.31% vs +9.04% for SPLG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SPLG?
SPLG has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SPLG -55.8%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SPLG?
SCHD and SPLG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SPLG?
SCHD and SPLG share 45 common holdings with a 8.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
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