Nasdaq 100 vs dividend growth (SCHD) over 10 years?
This page compares 10 years of steady monthly investing into a Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQ) and a dividend-growth ETF (SCHD), two popular ETFs with opposite characters, using the comparison calculator. It weighs aggressive growth's total return against dividends' defense.
Investment conditions
Asset · Nasdaq 100 ETF (QQQ) vs Dividend Growth ETF (SCHD)
Method · Comparison
The key is that the two ETFs suit different purposes. QQQ pursues total return in up-markets but must accept deeper drawdowns in declines, while SCHD may have a milder total return but strengths in downside defense and dividend stability. In the comparison calculator, review each ETF's ending balance together with its maximum drawdown and recovery period. Rather than one being 'superior,' each feels different depending on the volatility you can withstand and the cash flow you need. Note that dividends' actual total return can vary with tax and reinvestment treatment.
Open in comparison calculatorWhy this period and asset
QQQ and SCHD are two popular US ETFs but nearly opposite in character. QQQ tracks the Nasdaq 100 with a very high weight in tech and growth stocks—large gains in up-markets but also large swings. SCHD centers on quality companies that have steadily raised dividends, characterized by milder swings and dividend cash flow. Over the past decade, Big Tech leadership made QQQ's total return stand out in many stretches, but in phases like the 2022 rate surge, when growth stocks fell hard, there were stretches where SCHD showed relative defense.
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, the Nasdaq 100 or dividend growth?
Neither is always better. QQQ's total return stood out in many stretches over the past decade, but SCHD had strengths in downside defense and dividend stability. Use the comparison calculator to view return and drawdown side by side.
How do the risks differ?
QQQ's concentration in growth stocks tends to bring higher volatility and maximum drawdown, while SCHD 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, recovery period, and consider the cash flow you need and the volatility you can withstand. Dividends' outcome can vary with tax and reinvestment treatment.
Related scenarios
📋 結果は過去のデータに基づくものです。過去のリターンは将来のリターンを保証しません。
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