AIPO vs SCHD
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AIPO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIPO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $865M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +32.53% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.63% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AIPO vs SCHD Performance
Defiance AI & Power Infrastructure ETF (AIPO) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AIPO returned +48.63% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, AIPO is up 32.53% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIPO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.4% 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 -24.4% for AIPO 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIPO charges 0.69% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $6 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIPO currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AIPO and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 182 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, AIPO or SCHD?
AIPO has an expense ratio of 0.69% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIPO or SCHD?
Over the past year AIPO returned +48.63% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so AIPO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AIPO annualized +47.74% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIPO or SCHD?
AIPO has been the more volatile fund at 36.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AIPO -24.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AIPO and SCHD?
AIPO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIPO and SCHD?
AIPO and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 182 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIPO or SCHD?
AIPO yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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