AAEQ vs SCHD
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, AAEQ or SCHD?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AAEQ is less concentrated, with 38.3% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 41.8%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAEQ | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $510M | $108.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 294 | 206 |
| YTD Return | +13.28% | +22.89%Best |
| 1Y Return | - | +29.27% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.56% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% |
| Top 10 Weight | 38.3%Best | 41.8% |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Volatility (annualized), Max Drawdown, $10,000 over the window.
AAEQ vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
AAEQ vs SCHD Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) is an ETF from Alpha Architect and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Year to date, AAEQ is up 13.28% versus a gain of 22.89% for SCHD.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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 3.00% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
7.8% of AAEQ's money is in holdings SCHD also owns. 82.9% of SCHD's money is in holdings AAEQ also owns.
Most of SCHD is already inside AAEQ. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
32 positions in common, counted across the 293 positions we hold weights for in AAEQ and 99 in SCHD, against full books of 294 and 206.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 293 and 99 positions we hold weights for.
SCHD holds 66 positions AAEQ does not, 17.0% of the fund.
Largest: AMGN 4.24%, FAST 1.42%, PAYX 0.93%, KMB 0.82%, ARES 0.69%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AAEQ | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRKMerck & Company Inc | 0.55% | 4.77% | 4.22% |
| CVXChevron Corp | 0.63% | 4.29% | 3.66% |
| KOCoca Cola Co. | 0.57% | 4.26% | 3.69% |
| ABTAbbott Laboratories | 0.28% | 4.44% | 4.16% |
| COPConocophillips Common Stock USD 0.01 | 0.27% | 4.19% | 3.92% |
| PGProcter & Gamble Company | 0.52% | 3.94% | 3.42% |
| VZVerizon Communications Inc Vz | 0.33% | 4.12% | 3.79% |
| UNHUnitedhealth Group Incorporated | 0.58% | 3.82% | 3.24% |
| HDHome Depot Inc/The | 0.46% | 3.75% | 3.29% |
| PEPPepsico Inc. | 0.29% | 3.63% | 3.34% |
82.9% of SCHD is already inside AAEQ.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
What is the holdings overlap between AAEQ and SCHD?
82.9% of SCHD's money is in holdings AAEQ also owns. 82.9% of SCHD's is in holdings AAEQ also owns. They hold 32 positions in common, counted across the 293 positions we hold weights for in AAEQ and 99 in SCHD.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAEQ or SCHD?
AAEQ yields 0.09% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than AAEQ?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AAEQ is less concentrated, with 38.3% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 41.8%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.