SPYI vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SPYI (NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPYI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Neos, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. SPYI is actively managed, while SCHD is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, SPYI returned 15.21%/yr vs 14.64%/yr for SCHD. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPYI charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

SPYI vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI) 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, SPYI achieves a 5.51% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 18.44% return.

SPYI

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: -1.70%
• YTD: 5.51%
• 6M: 4.62%
• 1Y: 18.04%
• 3Y*: 15.21%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCHD

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -1.39%
• YTD: 18.44%
• 6M: 17.45%
• 1Y: 26.47%
• 3Y*: 14.64%
• 5Y*: 8.70%
• 10Y*: 12.94%

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

SPYI vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
SPYI NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF	5.51%	16.67%	19.03%	18.09%	-3.96%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	18.44%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	4.25%

Correlation

The correlation between SPYI and SCHD is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 30, 2022	0.61

Over the past year, the correlation between SPYI and SCHD has dropped to 0.34 - well below their long-term average of 0.61, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

SPYI vs. SCHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPYI	SCHD
Technology	39.1%	19.4%
Financial Services	11.1%	9.1%
Communication Services	10.7%	6.0%
Consumer Cyclical	9.9%	6.7%
Healthcare	8.3%	18.4%
Industrials	7.8%	7.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	18.5%
Energy	3.1%	14.6%
Utilities	2.1%	0.0%
Real Estate	1.8%	-
Basic Materials	1.7%	1.2%

Return for Risk

SPYI vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPYI

SPYI Risk / Return Rank: 63
SPYI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
SPYI Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
SPYI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
SPYI Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPYI Martin Ratio Rank: 72

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 87
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 83
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

SPYI vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI) 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.

	SPYI	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.41	-0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	3.67	-1.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.43	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.35	5.76	-3.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.59	13.87	-2.28

SPYI vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPYI Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPYI 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

SPYI vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPYI drawdown since its inception was -16.47%, smaller than the maximum SCHD drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPYI and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPYI	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-16.47%	-33.37%	+16.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.72%	-4.61%	-3.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.47%	-16.13%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.85%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.54%	-1.87%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.81%	-3.31%	+1.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.56%	1.91%	-0.35%

Volatility

SPYI vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI) has a higher volatility of 4.23% compared to Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) at 3.12%. This indicates that SPYI'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

	SPYI	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.23%	3.12%	+1.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.27%	7.74%	+0.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.29%	11.09%	-0.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.01%	14.36%	-1.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.01%	16.70%	-3.69%

SPYI vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPYI has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPYI vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

SPYI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.05%, more than SCHD's 3.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.28%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%
SPYI NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF	12.05%	11.70%	12.04%	12.01%	4.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPYI and SCHD in my portfolio?

SPYI 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, SPYI or SCHD?

SPYI has higher volatility (4.23%) compared to SCHD (3.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPYI dropped -16.47% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, SPYI or SCHD?

On 3-year performance, SPYI leads with 15.21% vs 14.64% for SCHD. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHD has been the lower-risk option at 3.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPYI or SCHD?

Over the 3-year period, SPYI has performed better with a 15.21% return vs 14.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPYI or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for SPYI.

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

SPYI has the higher dividend yield at 12.05%, compared with 3.28% for SCHD.

What is the main difference between SPYI and SCHD?

SPYI is categorized as Derivative Income, while SCHD is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Neos and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for SPYI and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 1.76), 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.