SCHD vs. T

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) is Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, while T (AT&T Inc.) is a stock. Over the past 10 years, SCHD returned 12.91%/yr vs 3.33%/yr for T. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

SCHD vs. T - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and AT&T Inc. (T). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHD achieves a 20.66% return, which is significantly higher than T's -2.96% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHD has outperformed T with an annualized return of 12.91%, while T has yielded a comparatively lower 3.33% annualized return.

SCHD

• 1D: 0.89%
• 1M: 3.37%
• YTD: 20.66%
• 6M: 19.57%
• 1Y: 26.16%
• 3Y*: 14.90%
• 5Y*: 8.75%
• 10Y*: 12.91%

T

• 1D: 2.52%
• 1M: -4.69%
• YTD: -2.96%
• 6M: -1.93%
• 1Y: -12.96%
• 3Y*: 20.58%
• 5Y*: 7.38%
• 10Y*: 3.33%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SCHD vs. T - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	20.66%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%
T AT&T Inc.	-2.96%	13.97%	44.08%	-2.74%	5.76%	-8.09%	-21.37%	45.55%	-22.25%	-4.01%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHD and T is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2011	0.52

Over the past year, the correlation between SCHD and T has dropped to 0.23 - well below their long-term average of 0.52, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

SCHD vs. T — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 87
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 83
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 81

T

T Risk / Return Rank: 18
T Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
T Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
T Omega Ratio Rank: 18
T Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
T Martin Ratio Rank: 15

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SCHD vs. T - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and AT&T Inc. (T). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SCHD	T	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	-0.59	+3.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.72	-0.72	+4.44
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	0.92	+0.52
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.70	-0.59	+6.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.97	-1.22	+15.19

SCHD vs. T - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHD Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is higher than the T Sharpe Ratio of -0.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHD and T, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SCHD vs. T - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHD drawdown since its inception was -33.37%, smaller than the maximum T drawdown of -64.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHD and T.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHD	T	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.37%	-64.15%	+30.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.61%	-21.87%	+17.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.13%	-21.87%	+5.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.85%	-32.01%	+15.16%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.37%	-42.35%	+8.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.03%	-18.12%	+18.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.31%	-15.72%	+12.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.89%	10.64%	-8.75%

Volatility

SCHD vs. T - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is 3.05%, while AT&T Inc. (T) has a volatility of 8.21%. This indicates that SCHD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than T based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHD	T	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.05%	8.21%	-5.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.53%	17.80%	-10.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.93%	22.13%	-11.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.38%	24.01%	-9.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.72%	23.73%	-7.01%

Dividends

SCHD vs. T - Dividend Comparison

SCHD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, less than T's 4.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.22%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
T AT&T Inc.	4.71%	4.47%	4.87%	6.62%	6.66%	8.46%	7.23%	5.22%	7.01%	5.04%	4.51%	5.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHD and T in my portfolio?

SCHD and T have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHD or T?

T has higher volatility (8.21%) compared to SCHD (3.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHD dropped -33.37% vs T's -64.15%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs -0.59), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.