AAEQ vs SCHD
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AAEQ offers more diversification with 353 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAEQ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $511M | $112.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 353 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | +10.19% | +27.60% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +29.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AAEQ vs SCHD Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Year to date, AAEQ is up 10.19% versus a gain of 27.60% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.3% for AAEQ and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAEQ charges 0.09% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAEQ currently yields 0.09% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AAEQ and SCHD share 33 holdings out of 418 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAEQ or SCHD?
AAEQ has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between AAEQ and SCHD?
AAEQ and SCHD share 33 common holdings with a 7.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 418 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAEQ or SCHD?
AAEQ yields 0.09% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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