SCHD vs XPND

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDXPNDWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.65%
AUM$103.7B$38M
Dividend Yield3.31%0.07%
Holdings10451
YTD Return+24.08%+12.07%
1Y Return+31.88%+18.50%
3Y Return (annualized)+14.92%+23.63%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.85%+13.31%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%21.8%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-38.0%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementFirst Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 20, 2011Jun 14, 2021

SCHD vs XPND Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +31.88% while XPND returned +18.50%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.08% versus a gain of 12.07% for XPND.

Over three years, SCHD compounded at +14.92% per year against +23.63% for XPND; over five years the annualized figures are +9.85% and +13.31% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XPND has the edge at +14.75% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

XPND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -38.0% for XPND. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while XPND charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $65 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.07% for XPND.

Holdings Overlap

6.4%overlap

SCHD and XPND share 2 holdings out of 148 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SCHDWeight in XPNDDifference
TXN3.70%3.79%0.09%
QCOM2.72%2.72%0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or XPND?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while XPND charges 0.65%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or XPND?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.88% vs +18.50% for XPND, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +14.75% for XPND. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or XPND?

XPND has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs XPND -38.0%.

Should I hold both SCHD and XPND?

SCHD and XPND have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and XPND?

SCHD and XPND share 2 common holdings with a 6.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 148 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or XPND?

SCHD yields 3.31% while XPND yields 0.07%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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