Schwab U.S. Dividend ETF up 26% in 2026 amid record US ETF launch surge

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) posted a total return of 26% year‑to‑date in 2026, with $105 billion in assets, a 0.06% expense ratio and a 3.3% dividend yield. Its portfolio is weighted toward healthcare and consumer staples (41% combined), and its top holdings include Abbott Laboratories, Amgen and Merck.

At the same time, the U.S. ETF market has reached a new pace of product creation. By late July 2026, 953 new ETFs had launched, on track to surpass the all‑time annual record of 1,095 set in 2021. Half of the new funds incorporate derivatives, and 85% are active‑managed strategies. Leveraged and inverse products now total 701, more than double the end‑2024 count, while spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs continue to be added, driven by issuers such as BlackRock, Direxion and ProShares. Analysts warn that the growing complexity raises the risk of retail investors misunderstanding product behavior.