AKAF vs SCHD
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. AKAF offers more diversification with 143 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AKAF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.98% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 143 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +16.06% | +28.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.82% | +31.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Frontier Economic Fund | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AKAF vs SCHD Performance
The Frontier Economic Fund ETF (AKAF) is a ETF from Frontier Economic Fund and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AKAF returned +26.82% while SCHD returned +31.07%. Year to date, AKAF is up 16.06% versus a gain of 28.70% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 13.3% for AKAF. 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 -9.3% for AKAF 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AKAF charges 0.20% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AKAF currently yields 2.98% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AKAF and SCHD share 13 holdings out of 226 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AKAF or SCHD?
AKAF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AKAF or SCHD?
Over the past year AKAF returned +26.82% vs +31.07% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AKAF annualized +30.78% vs +11.62% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AKAF or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 13.3% for AKAF. Worst drawdown: AKAF -9.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AKAF and SCHD?
AKAF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AKAF and SCHD?
AKAF and SCHD share 13 common holdings with a 10.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 226 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AKAF or SCHD?
AKAF yields 2.98% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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