BTAL vs SCHD
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. BTAL offers more diversification with 402 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BTAL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $294M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.92% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 402 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -14.38% | +27.67% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.57% | +29.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -11.26% | +16.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.13% | +9.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | AGFiQ | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BTAL vs SCHD Performance
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is a ETF from AGFiQ and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BTAL returned -24.57% while SCHD returned +29.56%. Year to date, BTAL is down 14.38% versus a gain of 27.67% for SCHD.
Over three years, BTAL compounded at -11.26% per year against +16.53% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -4.13% and +9.95% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.55% annualized vs -3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BTAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -52.7% for BTAL 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 -0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTAL charges 1.40% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $6 annually, a gap of $134 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTAL currently yields 2.92% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
BTAL and SCHD share 22 holdings out of 477 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BTAL or SCHD?
BTAL has an expense ratio of 1.40% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $134 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTAL or SCHD?
Over the past year BTAL returned -24.57% vs +29.56% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.69% vs +11.55% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTAL or SCHD?
BTAL has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: BTAL -52.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BTAL and SCHD?
BTAL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BTAL and SCHD?
BTAL and SCHD share 22 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 477 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or SCHD?
BTAL yields 2.92% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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