ACES vs SCHD
ACES vs SCHD
ALPS Clean Energy 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACES | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $109M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -4.16% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.72% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -8.79% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.98% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ACES vs SCHD Performance
ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, ACES is down 4.16% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, ACES compounded at -8.79% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -13.98% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +3.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% 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 -79.0% for ACES 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACES charges 0.55% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $6 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACES currently yields 1.22% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ACES and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 136 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ACES | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CWEN | 5.02% | 0.11% | 4.91% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACES or SCHD?
ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACES or SCHD?
Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ACES annualized +3.76% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACES or SCHD?
ACES has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ACES and SCHD?
ACES and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACES and SCHD?
ACES and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or SCHD?
ACES yields 1.22% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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