BAFE vs SCHD
BAFE vs SCHD
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAFE | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.28% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.94% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.25% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Brown Advisory | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BAFE vs SCHD Performance
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF (BAFE) is a ETF from Brown Advisory and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BAFE returned +17.25% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BAFE is up 10.94% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BAFE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.8% 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 -18.4% for BAFE 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
BAFE charges 0.54% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $6 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAFE currently yields 0.28% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAFE or SCHD?
BAFE has an expense ratio of 0.54% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAFE or SCHD?
Over the past year BAFE returned +17.25% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BAFE annualized +11.99% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAFE or SCHD?
BAFE has been the more volatile fund at 13.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: BAFE -18.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BAFE and SCHD?
BAFE and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BAFE and SCHD?
BAFE and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 3.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAFE or SCHD?
BAFE yields 0.28% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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