AVDS vs SCHD
Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVDS offers more diversification with 1924 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVDS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $318M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.32% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 3,038 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.51% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.89% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.36% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AVDS vs SCHD Performance
Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AVDS returned +26.89% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, AVDS is up 14.51% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, AVDS compounded at +20.36% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, AVDS has the edge at +19.18% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVDS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% 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 -13.5% for AVDS 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVDS charges 0.30% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $6 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVDS currently yields 2.32% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AVDS and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 2024 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, AVDS or SCHD?
AVDS has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVDS or SCHD?
Over the past year AVDS returned +26.89% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AVDS annualized +19.18% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVDS or SCHD?
AVDS has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AVDS -13.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AVDS and SCHD?
AVDS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVDS and SCHD?
AVDS and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2024 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVDS or SCHD?
AVDS yields 2.32% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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