AGQI vs SCHD
First Trust Active Global Quality Income 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 | AGQI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $54M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.08% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.75% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2015 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AGQI vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF (AGQI) 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 AGQI returned +22.75% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, AGQI is up 14.08% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 9.5% for AGQI. 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 -14.1% for AGQI 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGQI 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, AGQI currently yields 2.04% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AGQI and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 127 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGQI or SCHD?
AGQI 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, AGQI or SCHD?
Over the past year AGQI returned +22.75% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AGQI annualized +18.34% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGQI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 9.5% for AGQI. Worst drawdown: AGQI -14.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AGQI and SCHD?
AGQI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGQI and SCHD?
AGQI and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 11.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 127 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGQI or SCHD?
AGQI yields 2.04% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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