SCHD vs QQQ: Which ETF to Buy for Investors?
LAST UPDATED: April 11, 2023 | By Conrad Golly
As an investor, choosing the right ETF can be a daunting task.
With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your portfolio.
Two of the most popular ETFs are the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) and the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD).
Schd vs QQQ: At first glance, QQQ and SCHD may seem similar, both being among the Top 100 ETFs. The expense ratio of QQQ is 0.14 percentage points higher than SCHD’s (0.2% vs. 0.06%).
I’ll help you determine which fund is the better choice for your investment goals.
In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth analysis of QQQ and SCHD, including their expense ratio, holdings, performance, and industry exposure.
By examining these factors, I’ll help you make an informed decision about which ETF is the better buy.
So, let’s dive in and explore the differences between these two popular funds.
Table of Contents
What is SCHD?

Benefits of SCHD
As an investor, I always look for funds that offer stability and consistent returns. SCHD, or Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF, is one such fund that I have found to be a great investment option.
It is an exchange-traded fund that invests in high-quality U.S. companies that have a record of paying dividends.
This fund is managed by Charles Schwab Investment Management and has been around since 2011. One of the key benefits of investing in SCHD is that it offers a high dividend yield.
As of the current date, it has a dividend yield of 3.62%, which is higher than the average dividend yield of the S&P 500.
This makes SCHD a great option for investors who are looking for income-generating investments. Another benefit of SCHD is that it has a low expense ratio of 0.06%.
This means that investors can keep more of their returns and not worry about high fees eating into their profits.
Additionally, SCHD has a low turnover rate, which means that it is a tax-efficient investment option.
Drawbacks of SCHD
While SCHD has many benefits, it is important to note that it is not without its drawbacks.
One of the main drawbacks of SCHD is that it is not a growth fund. It invests in mature companies that have a history of paying dividends, which means that it may not offer the same level of growth potential as other funds that invest in high-growth companies.
Another drawback of SCHD is that it is heavily weighted towards certain sectors, such as consumer staples and healthcare. This means that it may not be a diversified investment option for investors who are looking for exposure to a wide range of sectors.
While SCHD may not be the best option for all investors, it is a great choice for those who are looking for stable returns and income-generating investments.
Its low expense ratio and high dividend yield make it a great investment option for long-term investors who are looking to build a diversified portfolio.
What is QQQ?
As an investor, I am always on the lookout for the best investment options. One of the popular options available in the market is Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ).
QQQ is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, which is composed of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
Benefits of QQQ
One of the benefits of investing in QQQ is its exposure to the technology sector.
The Nasdaq-100 Index is heavily weighted towards technology, with companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Facebook among its top holdings.
The technology sector has been one of the best-performing sectors in recent years, and investing in QQQ allows investors to gain exposure to this sector.
Another benefit of QQQ is its liquidity. As one of the most actively traded ETFs, QQQ offers investors the ability to buy and sell shares quickly and easily, which can be especially important during times of market volatility.
Drawbacks of QQQ
One of the drawbacks of QQQ is its higher expense ratio compared to other ETFs.
QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.2%, which is higher than the expense ratio of some other popular ETFs, such as the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) which has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
Another potential drawback of QQQ is its concentration in the technology sector.
While the technology sector has performed well in recent years, it is also subject to volatility and can be impacted by factors such as changes in regulations and global economic conditions.
As a result, investors who are heavily invested in the technology sector may be more vulnerable to market downturns.
Overall, QQQ can be a good investment option for investors who are looking to gain exposure to the technology sector and are comfortable with the potential risks associated with this sector.
SCHD vs QQQ: Key Differences
Performance Comparison SCHD vs QQQ
When it comes to performance, QQQ has provided higher returns than SCHD over the past ten years.
The average annual return for QQQ was 23.07%, while SCHD had an average annual return of 13.58%. However, it’s important to note that past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Risk Profile Comparison SCHD vs QQQ
SCHD and QQQ have different risk profiles. SCHD is a dividend-focused ETF that invests in companies with a history of paying and increasing dividends.
This makes it a more conservative investment option. On the other hand, QQQ is a technology-focused ETF that invests in companies listed on the Nasdaq-100 Index.
This makes it a more aggressive investment option.
According to FinanceCharts.com, QQQ has a higher standard deviation than SCHD, which means it has a higher level of volatility.
Cost Comparison SCHD vs QQQ
Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing between SCHD and QQQ. SCHD has a lower expense ratio than QQQ, which means it’s cheaper to invest in.
According to PortfoliosLab, SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06%, while QQQ has an expense ratio of 0.20%. This means that for every $10,000 invested, SCHD will cost $6 per year in fees, while QQQ will cost $20 per year in fees.
In summary, SCHD and QQQ have different investment strategies and risk profiles. Investors should consider their investment goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon when choosing between the two.
While QQQ has provided higher returns in the past, it’s important to remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
While SCHD has a lower expense ratio, it may not provide the same level of growth potential as QQQ.
Which One to Buy?
As an investor, choosing between SCHD and QQQ can be a tough decision. Here are some factors to consider:
Factors to Consider
The main difference between SCHD and QQQ is the type of companies they invest in. SCHD tracks the Dow Jones U.S Dividend 100 Index, which includes companies that have a history of paying high dividends.
QQQ, on the other hand, tracks the NASDAQ 100 Index, which includes technology companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google.
If you’re looking for a steady income stream, SCHD may be the better option. However, if you’re willing to take on more risk for potentially higher returns, QQQ may be the way to go.
Investment Goals
Your investment goals should also play a role in your decision. If you’re investing for the long term and want to build wealth over time, QQQ may be a good choice.
If you’re nearing retirement and want to generate income, SCHD may be a better fit.
It’s important to consider your time horizon, risk tolerance, and overall financial situation when deciding which ETF to invest in.
Personal Preferences
Finally, your personal preferences should also be taken into account. Do you have a preference for technology companies or dividend-paying stocks? Do you prefer a more conservative or aggressive investment approach?
Ultimately, the decision of which ETF to invest in should be based on your individual needs and preferences.
Verdict: QQQ vs SCHD
After comparing QQQ and SCHD, I have come to the conclusion that both ETFs have their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the decision of which one to buy depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance.
If you are looking for exposure to the technology sector and are comfortable with higher volatility, then QQQ may be the better choice for you. QQQ has a higher expense ratio than SCHD, but it has provided higher returns over the past ten years.
QQQ also has a higher standard deviation, which means that its returns are more spread out and unpredictable.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more conservative investment that focuses on dividend-paying companies, then SCHD may be the better choice for you.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio than QQQ and invests in companies with a history of stable and increasing dividends. SCHD also has a higher dividend yield than QQQ, which can provide a steady stream of income for investors.
It’s important to note that both QQQ and SCHD have their risks. QQQ is heavily invested in the technology sector, which can be volatile and subject to rapid changes.
SCHD is focused on dividend-paying companies, which can be affected by changes in interest rates and economic conditions.
In the end, the decision of which ETF to buy comes down to your personal investment goals and risk tolerance.
Both QQQ and SCHD have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to carefully consider your options before making a decision.
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