AIRR vs SCHD
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIRR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $10.8B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.61% | +28.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.04% | +32.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.80% | +17.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.89% | +10.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AIRR vs SCHD Performance
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR) 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 AIRR returned +29.04% while SCHD returned +32.27%. Year to date, AIRR is up 13.61% versus a gain of 28.70% for SCHD.
Over three years, AIRR compounded at +29.80% per year against +17.27% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +22.89% and +10.23% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, AIRR has the edge at +15.34% annualized vs +11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIRR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% compared with 13.7% 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 -42.4% for AIRR 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIRR 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, AIRR currently yields 0.09% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AIRR and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 156 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AIRR | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSM | 1.40% | 0.14% | 1.26% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIRR or SCHD?
AIRR 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, AIRR or SCHD?
Over the past year AIRR returned +29.04% vs +32.27% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), AIRR annualized +15.34% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIRR or SCHD?
AIRR has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AIRR -42.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AIRR and SCHD?
AIRR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIRR and SCHD?
AIRR and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 156 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIRR or SCHD?
AIRR yields 0.09% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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