AFLG vs SCHD
AFLG vs SCHD
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. AFLG offers more diversification with 215 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFLG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $702M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 219 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.98% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.88% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.64% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.71% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AFLG vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) 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 AFLG returned +22.88% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, AFLG is up 14.98% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, AFLG compounded at +21.64% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.71% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFLG has the edge at +13.94% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -35.8% for AFLG 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFLG 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, AFLG currently yields 0.70% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AFLG and SCHD share 25 holdings out of 290 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFLG | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 0.50% | 4.54% | 4.04% |
| MRK | 0.38% | 4.32% | 3.94% |
| CVX | 0.47% | 3.95% | 3.48% |
| MO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BMY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| QCOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UPS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings AFLG 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, AFLG or SCHD?
AFLG 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, AFLG or SCHD?
Over the past year AFLG returned +22.88% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFLG annualized +13.94% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFLG or SCHD?
AFLG has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AFLG -35.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AFLG and SCHD?
AFLG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFLG and SCHD?
AFLG and SCHD share 25 common holdings with a 9.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 290 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFLG or SCHD?
AFLG yields 0.70% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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