SCHD ETF stock is beating the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 this year

Core Viewpoint - The Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has significantly outperformed the broader market, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, with an increase of 8.50% this year, reaching an all-time high, while the S&P 500 has only risen by 1% [1]. Group 1: Performance and Market Trends - The SCHD ETF has surged nearly 30% from its lowest level in April last year, primarily due to a rotation from technology stocks to value stocks [2]. - Many technology stocks have experienced significant declines, with NVIDIA dropping 10% and Microsoft falling 22% from their respective highs [3]. Group 2: Sector Contributions - The energy sector has played a crucial role in the SCHD stock rally, comprising 20% of the fund, as energy stocks have surged due to rising crude oil prices, with Brent reaching $70 [4]. - The State Street Energy Select Sector ETF (XLE) has also seen a 40% increase from its lowest level in April last year, reaching a record high [5]. Group 3: Upcoming Catalysts - Key corporate earnings reports from major companies, including Palantir, Walt Disney, and AMD, are expected to impact SCHD's performance this week [6]. - Additional catalysts include the upcoming US non-farm payrolls data and the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair [7]. Group 4: Technical Analysis - The SCHD ETF has shown a strong uptrend, rising from a low of $23.20 in April last year to the current price of $29.82, consistently staying above the 50-day and 100-day Exponential Moving Averages [10]. - The Average Directional Index (ADX) has reached 43, indicating strong momentum, with bulls targeting a resistance level at $35, while a drop below $28 would invalidate the bullish outlook [11].