AAUS vs SCHD
AAUS vs SCHD
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. AAUS offers more diversification with 347 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAUS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $494M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 376 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.54% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.41% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AAUS vs SCHD Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity ETF (AAUS) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AAUS returned +22.41% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, AAUS is up 12.54% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 12.7% for AAUS. 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 -9.1% for AAUS 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAUS 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, AAUS currently yields 0.34% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AAUS and SCHD share 33 holdings out of 414 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AAUS | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 0.66% | 4.54% | 3.88% |
| MRK | 0.56% | 4.32% | 3.76% |
| PG | 0.60% | 4.15% | 3.55% |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings AAUS shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAUS or SCHD?
AAUS 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.
Which performed better, AAUS or SCHD?
Over the past year AAUS returned +22.41% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AAUS annualized +22.42% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AAUS or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.7% for AAUS. Worst drawdown: AAUS -9.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AAUS and SCHD?
AAUS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AAUS and SCHD?
AAUS and SCHD share 33 common holdings with a 7.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 414 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAUS or SCHD?
AAUS yields 0.34% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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