AFGR vs SCHD
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, AFGR or SCHD?
Large Cap Growth against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AFGR led over 3Y, SCHD over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. SCHD is less concentrated, with 41.8% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 47.2%.
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 | AFGR | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $92M | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 74 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +5.24% | +24.23%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.92% | +27.90%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.62%Best | +15.55% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.58% | +9.97%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 15.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -16.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,119 | $16,083Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 47.2% | 41.8%Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Growth | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 22, 2020 to Sep 17, 2026 (6.2 years).
AFGR 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 covers the 6.2 years both funds cover.
AFGR vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AFGR returned +2.92% while SCHD returned +27.90%. Year to date, AFGR is up 5.24% versus a gain of 24.23% for SCHD.
Over three years, AFGR compounded at +20.62% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +5.58% and +9.97% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +14.34% annualized vs +10.66%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% compared with 15.2% 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 -46.0% for AFGR and -16.9% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.48. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFGR charges 0.65% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $6 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFGR currently yields 0.00% against 3.00% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
1.6% of AFGR's money is in holdings SCHD also owns. 4.2% of SCHD's money is in holdings AFGR also owns.
SCHD and AFGR share little of their money.
2 positions in common, counted across the 73 positions we hold weights for in AFGR and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 74 and 103.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 73 and 100 positions we hold weights for.
SCHD holds 97 positions AFGR does not, 95.8% of the fund.
Largest: MRK 4.77%, AMGN 4.70%, ABT 4.69%, KO 4.17%, CVX 4.02%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of AFGR and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFGR or SCHD?
AFGR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $59 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, AFGR or SCHD?
Over the past year AFGR returned +2.92% vs +27.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AFGR annualized +10.66% vs +14.34% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, AFGR or SCHD?
AFGR has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 15.2% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AFGR -46.0% vs SCHD -16.9%.
Should I hold both AFGR and SCHD?
AFGR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between AFGR and SCHD?
4.2% of SCHD's money is in holdings AFGR also owns. 4.2% of SCHD's is in holdings AFGR also owns. They hold 2 positions in common, counted across the 73 positions we hold weights for in AFGR and 100 in SCHD.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFGR or SCHD?
AFGR yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than AFGR?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AFGR led over 3Y, SCHD over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. SCHD is less concentrated, with 41.8% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 47.2%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.