SPFF vs. SCHD

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

SPFF (Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPFF is a Preferred Stock fund tracking the S&P Enhanced Yield North American Preferred Stock 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, SPFF returned 2.75%/yr vs 12.76%/yr for SCHD. Their 0.41 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. SPFF charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

SPFF vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF (SPFF) 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, SPFF achieves a 4.06% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 24.03% return. Over the past 10 years, SPFF has underperformed SCHD with an annualized return of 2.75%, while SCHD has yielded a comparatively higher 12.76% annualized return.

SPFF

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 1.07%
• 6M: 2.74%
• YTD: 4.06%
• 1Y: 10.03%
• 3Y*: 7.95%
• 5Y*: 1.40%
• 10Y*: 2.75%
• ALL TIME*: 3.19%

SCHD

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: 3.33%
• 6M: 14.09%
• YTD: 24.03%
• 1Y: 31.54%
• 3Y*: 14.19%
• 5Y*: 9.54%
• 10Y*: 12.76%
• ALL TIME*: 13.39%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	$786.88M	$715.86M	$685.58M
SPFF Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF	$461.72K	$400.05K	$611.33K

SPFF vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPFF Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF	4.06%	7.52%	8.62%	3.00%	-14.29%	5.15%	6.91%	13.04%	-2.55%	1.80%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	24.03%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	27.29%	-5.56%	20.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SPFF and SCHD is 0.28, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.47
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 19, 2012	0.41

The correlation between SPFF and SCHD shifts across timeframes, from 0.28 (1 year) to 0.47 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SPFF vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

SPFF

SPFF Risk / Return Rank: 37
SPFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SPFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SPFF Omega Ratio Rank: 34
SPFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
SPFF Martin Ratio Rank: 35

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 95
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 96
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 93

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

SPFF vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF (SPFF) 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.

	SPFF	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.96	2.81	-1.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.41	4.37	-2.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.51	-0.34
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.28	6.74	-5.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.53	17.01	-13.49

SPFF vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPFF Sharpe Ratio is 0.96, which is lower than the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPFF 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

SPFF vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPFF drawdown since its inception was -35.92%, which is greater than SCHD's maximum drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPFF and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPFF	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.92%	-33.37%	-2.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.58%	-4.61%	-2.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.51%	-16.13%	+3.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.88%	-16.85%	-6.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.92%	-33.37%	-2.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.86%	-1.24%	-1.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.05%	-3.30%	-0.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.74%	1.82%	+0.92%

Volatility

SPFF vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF (SPFF) is 3.19%, while Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has a volatility of 4.11%. This indicates that SPFF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPFF	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.19%	4.11%	-0.92%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.98%	8.11%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.06%	11.13%	-1.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.11%	14.39%	-3.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.55%	16.72%	-3.17%

SPFF vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPFF has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPFF vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

SPFF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.60%, more than SCHD's 3.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.13%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
SPFF Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF	6.10%	6.47%	6.39%	6.64%	7.15%	5.78%	5.75%	5.97%	7.60%	7.24%	7.04%	7.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPFF and SCHD in my portfolio?

SPFF and SCHD have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPFF or SCHD?

SCHD has higher volatility (4.11%) compared to SPFF (3.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPFF dropped -35.92% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, SPFF or SCHD?

On 10-year performance, SCHD leads with 12.76% vs 2.75% for SPFF. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SPFF has been the lower-risk option at 3.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPFF or SCHD?

Over the 10-year period, SCHD has performed better with a 12.76% return vs 2.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPFF or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for SPFF.

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

SPFF has the higher dividend yield at 6.10%, compared with 3.13% for SCHD.

What is the main difference between SPFF and SCHD?

SPFF is categorized as Preferred Stock, while SCHD is Dividend. SPFF tracks S&P Enhanced Yield North American Preferred Stock Index, while SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for SPFF and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.81 vs 0.96), 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.