SCHD vs JEPI: Dividend ETF Comparison

Discover which dividend-focused ETF aligns with your investment strategy. Real-time data and projections updated every 15 minutes.

$78.90 0.32%
SCHD Current Price
Updated: Just now
3.62% 0.05%
SCHD Dividend Yield
Source: Schwab
$59.75 0.45%
JEPI Current Price
Updated: Just now
7.85% 0.12%
JEPI Dividend Yield
Source: J.P. Morgan

Investment Calculator

Project your potential returns with real-time dividend yields

Basic Inputs
Advanced Settings
Using real-time dividend data

SCHD Projection

Total Value
$58,240
Dividend Income
$12,180
Annual Yield
3.62%
Growth Rate
8.2%

JEPI Projection

Total Value
$52,760
Dividend Income
$19,420
Annual Yield
7.85%
Growth Rate
4.5%

SCHD vs JEPI: Detailed Comparison

Understanding the key differences between these two popular dividend-focused ETFs

Overview

  • SCHD: Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF - Focuses on high-quality U.S. dividend stocks
  • JEPI: JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF - Uses covered calls to generate income
  • SCHD tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index
  • JEPI combines equity exposure with options strategies

Investment Strategy

  • SCHD: Dividend growth investing with quality screens
  • JEPI: Income generation through covered call writing
  • SCHD requires 10+ years of dividend payments
  • JEPI selects low-volatility large-cap stocks

Dividend Characteristics

  • SCHD: 3.62% yield, strong dividend growth history
  • JEPI: 7.85% yield, stable monthly payouts
  • SCHD: Quarterly dividends
  • JEPI: Monthly dividends

Risk Profile

  • SCHD: Moderate risk, market volatility exposure
  • JEPI: Lower volatility, capped upside potential
  • SCHD: Sensitive to interest rate changes
  • JEPI: Options strategy complexity risk

Investor Suitability

  • SCHD: Long-term investors seeking growth + income
  • JEPI: Income-focused investors, retirees
  • SCHD: 10+ year investment horizon
  • JEPI: Shorter-term income needs

Tax Efficiency

  • SCHD: Mostly qualified dividends (lower tax rate)
  • JEPI: Mix of qualified and ordinary dividends
  • SCHD: More tax-efficient in taxable accounts
  • JEPI: Better suited for tax-advantaged accounts

Performance Comparison

Historical returns and dividend performance

Total Return (2018-2025)

Dividend Yield Comparison (2019-2025)

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about SCHD and JEPI

What is the main difference between SCHD and JEPI?

SCHD focuses on dividend growth by investing in established U.S. companies with a history of consistent dividend payments and growth. JEPI uses an options strategy (covered calls) to generate high current income from a portfolio of low-volatility stocks, resulting in higher yield but potentially lower capital appreciation.

Which ETF has better long-term growth potential?

Historically, SCHD has shown stronger long-term capital appreciation due to its focus on companies with growing dividends and strong fundamentals. JEPI's covered call strategy caps upside potential during strong bull markets but provides more consistent income. For investors with a 10+ year horizon, SCHD generally offers better growth potential.

Is JEPI's high dividend yield sustainable?

JEPI's yield is generated through its options strategy rather than traditional dividend payments. While the fund is designed to produce high income, the exact yield can fluctuate based on market volatility and options premiums. The 7.85% yield has been consistent recently, but investors should monitor the fund's distribution coverage.

Can I invest in both SCHD and JEPI?

Yes, many investors hold both ETFs in a diversified portfolio. SCHD provides dividend growth and capital appreciation, while JEPI offers higher current income. A common strategy is to allocate a portion to each based on your income needs and growth objectives.

Which ETF is better for retirement income?

JEPI is often preferred for immediate retirement income due to its higher yield and monthly distributions. However, SCHD may be better for earlier retirement stages where some growth is still desired. Many retirees use a combination - JEPI for near-term income needs and SCHD for longer-term income growth that outpaces inflation.

How do the expense ratios compare?

SCHD has a very low expense ratio of 0.06%, among the lowest in the dividend ETF space. JEPI has a higher expense ratio of 0.32% due to its more complex options strategy. While JEPI's fee is still reasonable for an actively managed fund with its strategy, SCHD's lower fee gives it a slight advantage in cost efficiency.