AQEC vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAQECSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.49%0.06%
AUM$605M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.97%3.31%
Holdings67104
YTD Return+0.88%+25.58%
1Y Return-+31.06%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.55%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.61%
Volatility (annualized)-13.6%
Max Drawdown-12.8%-33.4%
Fund FamilyArlington Partners, LLCCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 18, 2025Oct 20, 2011

AQEC vs SCHD Performance

AQE Core ETF (AQEC) is a ETF from Arlington Partners, LLC and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Year to date, AQEC is up 0.88% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -12.8% for AQEC and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AQEC charges 0.49% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $6 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AQEC currently yields 0.97% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

12.5%overlap

AQEC and SCHD share 8 holdings out of 158 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AQECWeight in SCHDDifference
ABT1.48%4.49%3.01%
KO1.75%4.08%2.33%
PG1.55%4.15%2.60%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AQEC or SCHD?

AQEC has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between AQEC and SCHD?

AQEC and SCHD share 8 common holdings with a 12.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 158 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AQEC or SCHD?

AQEC yields 0.97% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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