AMLP vs SCHD
Alerian MLP 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 | AMLP | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $12.8B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.76% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +19.87% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.09% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.86% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.16% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2010 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AMLP vs SCHD Performance
Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AMLP returned +21.09% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, AMLP is up 19.87% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, AMLP compounded at +18.86% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +19.16% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +0.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AMLP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.4% 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 -85.4% for AMLP 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AMLP charges 1.01% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $6 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AMLP currently yields 7.76% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AMLP and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 114 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, AMLP or SCHD?
AMLP has an expense ratio of 1.01% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AMLP or SCHD?
Over the past year AMLP returned +21.09% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), AMLP annualized +0.82% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AMLP or SCHD?
AMLP has been the more volatile fund at 25.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AMLP -85.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AMLP and SCHD?
AMLP and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AMLP and SCHD?
AMLP and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 114 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AMLP or SCHD?
AMLP yields 7.76% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so AMLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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