AFGR vs SCHD
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth 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 | AFGR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $91M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +7.17% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.46% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.67% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.54% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AFGR vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AFGR returned +9.46% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, AFGR is up 7.17% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, AFGR compounded at +20.67% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.54% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +11.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -46.0% for AFGR 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFGR charges 0.85% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $6 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFGR currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AFGR and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 175 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFGR or SCHD?
AFGR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFGR or SCHD?
Over the past year AFGR returned +9.46% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AFGR annualized +11.20% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFGR or SCHD?
AFGR has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AFGR -46.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AFGR and SCHD?
AFGR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFGR and SCHD?
AFGR and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 175 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFGR or SCHD?
AFGR yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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