SCHD vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHD returned 12.65%/yr vs 8.99%/yr for XLU. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SCHD charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

SCHD vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHD achieves a 18.71% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 2.66% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHD has outperformed XLU with an annualized return of 12.65%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively lower 8.99% annualized return.

SCHD

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: 2.12%
• YTD: 18.71%
• 6M: 19.28%
• 1Y: 26.37%
• 3Y*: 14.73%
• 5Y*: 8.49%
• 10Y*: 12.65%

XLU

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -2.68%
• YTD: 2.66%
• 6M: 3.35%
• 1Y: 10.26%
• 3Y*: 12.85%
• 5Y*: 9.10%
• 10Y*: 8.99%

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

SCHD vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	18.71%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.66%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHD and XLU is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2011	0.48

The correlation between SCHD and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.31 (1 year) to 0.51 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SCHD vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHD	XLU
Consumer Defensive	19.2%	-
Healthcare	18.8%	-
Technology	16.4%	-
Energy	16.2%	-
Financial Services	9.3%	-
Industrials	7.5%	-
Communication Services	6.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.3%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Utilities	0.0%	100.0%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

SCHD vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 85
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 80

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 21
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	SCHD	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	0.71	+1.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.75	1.04	+2.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.13	+0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.74	1.12	+4.62
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.06	2.47	+11.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCHD vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHD Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHD and XLU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SCHD	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.43	0.71	+1.72
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59	0.53	+0.07
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76	0.47	+0.29
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.86	0.40	+0.46

Drawdowns

SCHD vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHD drawdown since its inception was -33.37%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHD and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHD	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.37%	-51.98%	+18.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.61%	-9.18%	+4.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.13%	-17.26%	+1.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.85%	-25.26%	+8.41%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.37%	-36.07%	+2.70%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.64%	-8.18%	+6.54%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.32%	-10.22%	+6.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.88%	4.16%	-2.28%

Volatility

SCHD vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is 2.83%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.60%. This indicates that SCHD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHD	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.83%	5.60%	-2.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.60%	11.70%	-4.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.94%	14.64%	-3.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.38%	17.34%	-2.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.72%	19.27%	-2.55%

SCHD vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHD has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHD vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

SCHD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.27%, more than XLU's 2.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.27%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.73%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHD and XLU in my portfolio?

SCHD and XLU have a correlation of 0.31, 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 XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to SCHD (2.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHD dropped -33.37% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, SCHD or XLU?

On 10-year performance, SCHD leads with 12.65% vs 8.99% for XLU. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHD has been the lower-risk option at 2.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHD or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, SCHD has performed better with a 12.65% return vs 8.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHD or XLU?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for XLU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHD or XLU?

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.27%, compared with 2.73% for XLU.

What is the main difference between SCHD and XLU?

SCHD is categorized as Dividend, while XLU is Utilities Equities. SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for SCHD and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 0.70), 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.