CAFG vs SCHD
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. CAFG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CAFG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $48M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.30% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +31.79% | +26.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.87% | +31.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.49% | +16.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CAFG vs SCHD Performance
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF (CAFG) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CAFG returned +32.87% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, CAFG is up 31.79% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.
Over three years, CAFG compounded at +16.49% per year against +16.34% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, CAFG has the edge at +17.83% annualized vs +11.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CAFG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -23.7% for CAFG 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAFG charges 0.59% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $6 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAFG currently yields 0.30% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CAFG and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 200 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in CAFG | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BKE | 0.46% | 0.04% | 0.42% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CAFG or SCHD?
CAFG has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAFG or SCHD?
Over the past year CAFG returned +32.87% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so CAFG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CAFG annualized +17.83% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAFG or SCHD?
CAFG has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CAFG -23.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CAFG and SCHD?
CAFG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAFG and SCHD?
CAFG and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 200 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAFG or SCHD?
CAFG yields 0.30% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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