AWF vs SCHD
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. AWF offers more diversification with 707 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AWF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $969M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.92% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 1,273 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -1.71% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.23% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.24% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.53% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 28, 1993 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AWF vs SCHD Performance
AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund (AWF) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AWF returned -3.23% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, AWF is down 1.71% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, AWF compounded at +8.24% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +3.53% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +0.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AWF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -60.0% for AWF 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AWF charges 1.00% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $6 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AWF currently yields 6.92% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AWF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 807 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, AWF or SCHD?
AWF has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AWF or SCHD?
Over the past year AWF returned -3.23% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), AWF annualized +0.89% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AWF or SCHD?
AWF has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AWF -60.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AWF and SCHD?
AWF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AWF and SCHD?
AWF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 807 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AWF or SCHD?
AWF yields 6.92% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so AWF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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