AQLT vs SCHD
iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. AQLT offers more diversification with 521 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AQLT | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $331M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 521 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.95% | +27.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.87% | +31.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AQLT vs SCHD Performance
iShares MSCI Global Quality Factor ETF (AQLT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AQLT returned +22.87% while SCHD returned +31.26%. Year to date, AQLT is up 11.95% versus a gain of 27.67% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 12.9% for AQLT. 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 -16.8% for AQLT 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AQLT 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, AQLT currently yields 1.01% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AQLT and SCHD share 21 holdings out of 543 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AQLT or SCHD?
AQLT 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, AQLT or SCHD?
Over the past year AQLT returned +22.87% vs +31.26% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AQLT annualized +16.04% vs +11.57% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AQLT or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.9% for AQLT. Worst drawdown: AQLT -16.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AQLT and SCHD?
AQLT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AQLT and SCHD?
AQLT and SCHD share 21 common holdings with a 7.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 543 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AQLT or SCHD?
AQLT yields 1.01% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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