SOXX vs. SCHD

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SOXX returned 33.24%/yr vs 12.49%/yr for SCHD. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SOXX charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

SOXX vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) 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, SOXX achieves a 76.35% return, which is significantly higher than SCHD's 22.44% return. Over the past 10 years, SOXX has outperformed SCHD with an annualized return of 33.24%, while SCHD has yielded a comparatively lower 12.49% annualized return.

SOXX

• 1D: -4.46%
• 1M: -10.27%
• 6M: 57.49%
• YTD: 76.35%
• 1Y: 117.02%
• 3Y*: 45.18%
• 5Y*: 31.15%
• 10Y*: 33.24%

SCHD

• 1D: 2.16%
• 1M: 2.38%
• 6M: 15.69%
• YTD: 22.44%
• 1Y: 27.19%
• 3Y*: 14.79%
• 5Y*: 9.45%
• 10Y*: 12.49%

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

SOXX vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	76.35%	40.74%	12.92%	67.12%	-35.09%	44.09%	52.72%	62.42%	-6.49%	39.79%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	22.44%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXX and SCHD is 0.10, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2011	0.58

Over the past year, the correlation between SOXX and SCHD has dropped to 0.10 - well below their long-term average of 0.58, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SOXX vs. SCHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXX	SCHD
Technology	100.0%	19.4%
Basic Materials	-	1.2%
Communication Services	-	6.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	6.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	18.5%
Energy	-	14.6%
Financial Services	-	9.1%
Healthcare	-	18.4%
Industrials	-	7.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

SOXX vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 91
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 86
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 95

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 91
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 88
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

SOXX vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) 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.

	SOXX	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.78	2.47	+0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	3.83	-0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.41	1.44	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.19	5.92	+0.27
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.06	14.46	+7.60

SOXX vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXX Sharpe Ratio is 2.78, which is comparable to the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.47. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXX 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

SOXX vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXX drawdown since its inception was -70.21%, which is greater than SCHD's maximum drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXX and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXX	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.21%	-33.37%	-36.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.01%	-4.61%	-14.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.36%	-16.13%	-25.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.75%	-16.85%	-28.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.75%	-33.37%	-12.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.01%	0.00%	-19.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.92%	-3.30%	-16.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.32%	1.89%	+3.43%

Volatility

SOXX vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a higher volatility of 20.64% compared to Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) at 4.10%. This indicates that SOXX'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

	SOXX	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.64%	4.10%	+16.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.86%	8.05%	+28.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.42%	11.04%	+31.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.83%	14.40%	+23.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.30%	16.71%	+17.59%

SOXX vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXX has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOXX vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

SOXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.28%, less than SCHD's 3.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.17%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.28%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXX and SCHD in my portfolio?

SOXX and SCHD have a correlation of 0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOXX or SCHD?

SOXX has higher volatility (20.64%) compared to SCHD (4.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXX dropped -70.21% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, SOXX or SCHD?

On 10-year performance, SOXX leads with 33.24% vs 12.49% for SCHD. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHD has been the lower-risk option at 4.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXX or SCHD?

Over the 10-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 33.24% return vs 12.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXX or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for SOXX.

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

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.17%, compared with 0.28% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between SOXX and SCHD?

SOXX is categorized as Semiconductors, while SCHD is Dividend. SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index, while SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for SOXX and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.77 vs 2.47), 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.