BOXX 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

MetricBOXXSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.19%0.06%
AUM$13.2B$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings10104
YTD Return+2.28%+24.26%
1Y Return+4.08%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.71%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)0.3%13.6%
Max Drawdown-0.1%-33.4%
Fund FamilyAlpha ArchitectCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 28, 2022Oct 20, 2011

BOXX vs SCHD Performance

Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BOXX returned +4.08% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BOXX is up 2.28% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, BOXX compounded at +4.71% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +4.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 0.3% for BOXX. 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 -0.1% for BOXX 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 0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BOXX charges 0.19% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $6 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOXX currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BOXX or SCHD?

BOXX has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BOXX or SCHD?

Over the past year BOXX returned +4.08% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BOXX annualized +4.70% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BOXX or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 0.3% for BOXX. Worst drawdown: BOXX -0.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both BOXX and SCHD?

BOXX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, BOXX or SCHD?

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

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

X-ray your whole portfolio
$99/yr7-day refund. ETFs, mutual funds, 401(k)s.
Get Pro →