SCHD vs SSO
SCHD vs SSO
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs ProShares Ultra S&P500
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SSO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SSO offers more diversification with 504 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SSO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.87% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $7.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.67% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 521 | |
| YTD Return | +22.69% | +15.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.94% | +32.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.20% | +30.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +17.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 31.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -85.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jun 19, 2006 |
SCHD vs SSO Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and ProShares Ultra S&P500 (SSO) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.94% while SSO returned +32.80%. Year to date, SCHD is up 22.69% versus a gain of 15.78% for SSO.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +14.20% per year against +30.69% for SSO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +17.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SSO has the edge at +14.56% annualized vs +11.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SSO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.2% 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 -85.5% for SSO. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SSO charges 0.87%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $87 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.67% for SSO.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SSO share 44 holdings out of 560 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SCHD | Weight in SSO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 4.54% | 0.40% | 4.14% |
| ABT | 4.49% | 0.18% | 4.31% |
| MRK | 4.32% | 0.33% | 3.99% |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SCHD shares with SSO 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 SSO?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SSO charges 0.87%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SSO?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.94% vs +32.80% for SSO, so SSO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.31% vs +14.56% for SSO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SSO?
SSO has been the more volatile fund at 31.2% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SSO -85.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SSO?
SCHD and SSO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SSO?
SCHD and SSO share 44 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SSO?
SCHD yields 3.31% while SSO yields 0.67%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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