ABLS vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricABLSSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.06%
AUM$480,507.06$108.7B
Dividend Yield0.96%3.13%
Holdings49104
YTD Return+18.69%+26.54%
1Y Return+14.23%+30.90%
3Y Return (annualized)-+16.29%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.65%
Volatility (annualized)17.5%13.6%
Max Drawdown-19.3%-33.4%
Fund FamilyAbacus FCF AdvisorsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionFeb 18, 2025Oct 20, 2011

ABLS vs SCHD Performance

Abacus FCF Small Cap Leaders ETF (ABLS) is a ETF from Abacus FCF Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ABLS returned +14.23% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, ABLS is up 18.69% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ABLS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -19.3% for ABLS 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 0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ABLS charges 0.39% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $6 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ABLS currently yields 0.96% against 3.13% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

ABLS and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 144 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ABLSWeight in SCHDDifference
APAM3.81%0.08%3.73%
CNS2.36%0.06%2.30%
AMSF0.60%0.01%0.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ABLS or SCHD?

ABLS has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ABLS or SCHD?

Over the past year ABLS returned +14.23% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ABLS annualized +4.94% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ABLS or SCHD?

ABLS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ABLS -19.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both ABLS and SCHD?

ABLS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ABLS and SCHD?

ABLS and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 144 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ABLS or SCHD?

ABLS yields 0.96% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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