SDS vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SDS (ProShares UltraShort S&P500) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDS is a Leveraged Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Index (-200%), while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SDS returned -27.73%/yr vs 12.72%/yr for SCHD. At a correlation of -0.82, they often move in opposite directions. SDS charges 0.91%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

SDS vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SDS achieves a -12.83% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 17.72% return. Over the past 10 years, SDS has underperformed SCHD with an annualized return of -27.73%, while SCHD has yielded a comparatively higher 12.72% annualized return.

SDS

• 1D: 2.84%
• 1M: 2.91%
• YTD: -12.83%
• 6M: -11.09%
• 1Y: -30.33%
• 3Y*: -27.00%
• 5Y*: -20.88%
• 10Y*: -27.73%

SCHD

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: -2.47%
• YTD: 17.72%
• 6M: 17.25%
• 1Y: 24.56%
• 3Y*: 14.60%
• 5Y*: 8.71%
• 10Y*: 12.72%

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

SDS vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SDS ProShares UltraShort S&P500	-12.83%	-26.79%	-29.45%	-31.53%	30.69%	-43.02%	-49.91%	-41.17%	6.04%	-32.02%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	17.72%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SDS and SCHD is -0.34, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.70
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	-0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2011	-0.82

Over the past year, the inverse relationship between SDS and SCHD has weakened: their correlation has moved from -0.82 to -0.34, meaning they move in opposite directions less often than they have historically.

SDS vs. SCHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDS	SCHD
Financial Services	103.7%	9.1%
Basic Materials	-	1.2%
Communication Services	-	6.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	6.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	18.5%
Energy	-	14.6%
Healthcare	-	18.4%
Industrials	-	7.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	19.4%
Utilities	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

SDS vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDS

SDS Risk / Return Rank: 1
SDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 0
SDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
SDS Omega Ratio Rank: 1
SDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
SDS Martin Ratio Rank: 1

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 77
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 71

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.

SDS vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). 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.

	SDS	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-1.22	2.23	-3.45
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.85	3.40	-5.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.80	1.40	-0.60
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.92	5.35	-6.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.65	12.94	-14.59

SDS vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDS Sharpe Ratio is -1.22, which is lower than the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDS and SCHD, 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

SDS vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDS drawdown since its inception was -99.85%, which is greater than SCHD's maximum drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDS and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDS	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.85%	-33.37%	-66.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.08%	-4.61%	-28.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-68.14%	-16.13%	-52.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-75.54%	-16.85%	-58.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-96.48%	-33.37%	-63.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.84%	-2.47%	-97.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-82.76%	-3.31%	-79.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.05%	1.90%	+18.15%

Volatility

SDS vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

ProShares UltraShort S&P500 (SDS) has a higher volatility of 9.60% compared to Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) at 3.58%. This indicates that SDS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SDS	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.60%	3.58%	+6.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.65%	7.73%	+11.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.92%	11.07%	+13.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.84%	14.36%	+19.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.85%	16.71%	+19.14%

SDS vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDS has a 0.91% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDS vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

SDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.51%, more than SCHD's 3.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.30%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
SDS ProShares UltraShort S&P500	5.51%	5.88%	7.89%	5.77%	0.35%	0.00%	0.92%	1.84%	1.28%	0.09%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SDS and SCHD in my portfolio?

SDS and SCHD have a correlation of -0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDS or SCHD?

SDS has higher volatility (9.60%) compared to SCHD (3.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDS dropped -99.85% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, SDS or SCHD?

On 10-year performance, SCHD leads with 12.72% vs -27.73% for SDS. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHD has been the lower-risk option at 3.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDS or SCHD?

Over the 10-year period, SCHD has performed better with a 12.72% return vs -27.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDS or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.91% for SDS.

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

SDS has the higher dividend yield at 5.51%, compared with 3.30% for SCHD.

What is the main difference between SDS and SCHD?

SDS is categorized as Leveraged Equities, while SCHD is Dividend. SDS tracks S&P 500 Index (-200%), while SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: ProShares and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.91% for SDS and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs -1.22), 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.