AHLT vs SCHD
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AHLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AHLT | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $49M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 191 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.43% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.84% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.36% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | American Beacon Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 30, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AHLT vs SCHD Performance
American Beacon AHL Trend ETF (AHLT) is a ETF from American Beacon Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AHLT returned +35.84% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, AHLT is up 10.43% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, AHLT compounded at +7.36% per year against +15.58% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +7.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AHLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -20.2% for AHLT 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 -0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AHLT charges 0.95% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $6 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AHLT currently yields 1.55% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AHLT and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, AHLT or SCHD?
AHLT has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AHLT or SCHD?
Over the past year AHLT returned +35.84% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so AHLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AHLT annualized +7.36% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AHLT or SCHD?
AHLT has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AHLT -20.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AHLT and SCHD?
AHLT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AHLT and SCHD?
AHLT and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AHLT or SCHD?
AHLT yields 1.55% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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