AGEM vs SCHD
abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AGEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGEM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $336M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.89% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +22.75% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.01% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +39.94% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +39.94% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 1993 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AGEM vs SCHD Performance
abrdn Emerging Markets Dividend Active ETF (AGEM) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AGEM returned +42.01% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, AGEM is up 22.75% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, AGEM compounded at +39.94% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +39.94% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +5.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AGEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.6% 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 -33.5% for AGEM 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGEM charges 0.70% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $6 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGEM currently yields 1.89% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AGEM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 189 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, AGEM or SCHD?
AGEM has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGEM or SCHD?
Over the past year AGEM returned +42.01% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so AGEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), AGEM annualized +5.62% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGEM or SCHD?
AGEM has been the more volatile fund at 23.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AGEM -33.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AGEM and SCHD?
AGEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGEM and SCHD?
AGEM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 189 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGEM or SCHD?
AGEM yields 1.89% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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