AUGM vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAUGMSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.06%
AUM$32M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings5104
YTD Return+3.81%+24.26%
1Y Return+6.25%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)2.8%13.6%
Max Drawdown-4.3%-33.4%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Charles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionAug 16, 2024Oct 20, 2011

AUGM vs SCHD Performance

FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - August (AUGM) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AUGM returned +6.25% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, AUGM is up 3.81% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 2.8% for AUGM. 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 -4.3% for AUGM 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AUGM charges 0.85% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $6 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AUGM currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AUGM or SCHD?

AUGM has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AUGM or SCHD?

Over the past year AUGM returned +6.25% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AUGM annualized +6.52% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AUGM or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.8% for AUGM. Worst drawdown: AUGM -4.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both AUGM and SCHD?

AUGM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, AUGM or SCHD?

AUGM yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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