CAOS vs SCHD
CAOS vs SCHD
Alpha Architect Tail Risk 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 | CAOS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $719M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.79% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.50% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.48% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 6, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CAOS vs SCHD Performance
Alpha Architect Tail Risk ETF (CAOS) 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 CAOS returned +1.50% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, CAOS is up 0.79% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, CAOS compounded at +3.48% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +4.82%. 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 2.0% for CAOS. 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 -3.6% for CAOS 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAOS charges 0.63% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $63 vs $6 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAOS currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CAOS or SCHD?
CAOS has an expense ratio of 0.63% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAOS or SCHD?
Over the past year CAOS returned +1.50% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CAOS annualized +4.82% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAOS or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.0% for CAOS. Worst drawdown: CAOS -3.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CAOS and SCHD?
CAOS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAOS or SCHD?
CAOS yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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