AADR vs SCHD
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright ADR ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AADR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $38M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -2.57% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.12% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.77% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.13% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2010 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AADR vs SCHD Performance
AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright ADR ETF (AADR) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AADR returned +4.12% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, AADR is down 2.57% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, AADR compounded at +19.77% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.13% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +8.52%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AADR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -45.6% for AADR and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AADR charges 1.09% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $109 vs $6 annually, a gap of $103 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AADR currently yields 0.84% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AADR and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 137 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AADR or SCHD?
AADR has an expense ratio of 1.09% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $103 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AADR or SCHD?
Over the past year AADR returned +4.12% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), AADR annualized +8.52% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AADR or SCHD?
AADR has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AADR -45.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AADR and SCHD?
AADR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AADR and SCHD?
AADR and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AADR or SCHD?
AADR yields 0.84% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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