Dividend growth (SCHD) vs Nasdaq 100 over 10 years?

This page compares 10 years of steady monthly investing into a dividend-growth ETF (SCHD) and a Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQ), using the comparison calculator. It weighs the stability of dividends against the total return of growth and checks defense in down-markets.

Investment conditions

Asset · Dividend Growth ETF (SCHD) vs Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQ)

Method · Comparison

The key is to separate 'total return' from 'the experience of enduring volatility.' A growth-oriented approach can deliver larger gains in up-markets but tends to suffer deep drawdowns in declines, while a dividend-growth approach may have a milder total return but show strengths in down-market defense and psychological stability. In the comparison calculator, review each approach's ending balance together with its maximum drawdown and recovery period. Note too that actual total return can vary with how dividends are reinvested and taxed.

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Why this period and asset

SCHD is a dividend-growth ETF centered on quality companies that have steadily raised dividends, characterized by relatively stable cash flow and milder volatility. QQQ tracks the Nasdaq 100 with a very high weight in tech and growth stocks—large gains in up-markets but also large swings. Over the past decade, Big Tech leadership made growth's total return stand out in many stretches. Yet in a phase like 2022, when rates surged, growth fell comparatively hard, and there were stretches where the dividend-oriented approach suffered less drawdown.

Caveats & limits

This comparison reflects one specific past period, and results can change with the start or end date. Actual total return varies with dividend taxes and whether dividends are reinvested, and this calculation may not reflect those details exactly. Past performance does not guarantee the future. In real investing, fees, taxes, and exchange rates (for dollar-denominated assets) affect outcomes. This page recommends no purchase; it is educational material comparing character.

Data sources & limits

Trading fees and taxes are not reflected — figures are pre-tax.
Based on historical data; does not guarantee future returns.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, dividend growth or the Nasdaq 100?

Neither is always better. The growth approach had larger total return in up-markets but deeper drawdowns, while dividend growth had a milder total return but strengths in defense and stability. Use the comparison calculator to view them side by side.

How do the risks differ?

The growth approach tends to have higher volatility and maximum drawdown, while dividend growth is comparatively milder but can lag in strong bull markets. Comparing maximum drawdown and recovery period reveals the difference.

What should I use as the basis for comparison?

Look beyond the final return to maximum drawdown, time underwater, and recovery period. Because dividends' actual outcome depends on tax and reinvestment treatment, factor that in as well.

Related scenarios

📋 Results are based on historical data; past returns do not guarantee future returns.

📋 This service is provided for educational purposes to help you understand investing, not as investment advice.

⚠️ Volatility and risk levels differ by asset, so returns alone cannot determine which is better.