AFOS vs SCHD
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AFOS delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFOS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $283M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +31.01% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +69.29% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ARS Investment | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AFOS vs SCHD Performance
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) is a ETF from ARS Investment and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AFOS returned +69.29% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, AFOS is up 31.01% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -11.8% for AFOS 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 0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFOS charges 0.45% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $6 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFOS currently yields 0.22% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFOS or SCHD?
AFOS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFOS or SCHD?
Over the past year AFOS returned +69.29% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so AFOS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AFOS annualized +71.06% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFOS or SCHD?
AFOS has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AFOS -11.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AFOS and SCHD?
AFOS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFOS and SCHD?
AFOS and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 4.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFOS or SCHD?
AFOS yields 0.22% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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