AOD vs SCHQ
Abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund vs Schwab Long-Term US Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHQ has a lower expense ratio. AOD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHQ offers more diversification with 98 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOD | SCHQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $806M | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.72% | 4.73% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 98 | |
| YTD Return | +18.70% | -3.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.40% | -1.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.21% | +0.11% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.26% | -6.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 13.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.1% | -46.7% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2007 | Oct 10, 2019 |
AOD vs SCHQ Performance
Abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund (AOD) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Schwab Long-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHQ) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AOD returned +33.40% while SCHQ returned -1.31%. Year to date, AOD is up 18.70% versus a loss of 3.13% for SCHQ.
Over three years, AOD compounded at +23.21% per year against +0.11% for SCHQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.26% and -6.81% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AOD has the edge at -4.02% annualized vs -4.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AOD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% compared with 13.5% for SCHQ. 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 -88.1% for AOD and -46.7% for SCHQ. 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOD charges 1.16% per year while SCHQ charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $3 annually, a gap of $113 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOD currently yields 11.72% against 4.73% for SCHQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AOD or SCHQ?
AOD has an expense ratio of 1.16% while SCHQ charges 0.03%. SCHQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $113 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOD or SCHQ?
Over the past year AOD returned +33.40% vs -1.31% for SCHQ, so AOD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AOD annualized -4.02% vs -4.48% for SCHQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOD or SCHQ?
AOD has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 13.5% for SCHQ. Worst drawdown: AOD -88.1% vs SCHQ -46.7%.
Should I hold both AOD and SCHQ?
AOD and SCHQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOD or SCHQ?
AOD yields 11.72% while SCHQ yields 4.73%, so AOD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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