CATF vs SCHD
American Century California Municipal Bond ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. CATF offers more diversification with 304 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CATF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $82M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.57% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 304 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.94% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.56% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CATF vs SCHD Performance
American Century California Municipal Bond ETF (CATF) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CATF returned +5.56% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, CATF is up 0.94% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 4.2% for CATF. 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 -5.1% for CATF 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CATF charges 0.25% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $6 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CATF currently yields 3.57% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CATF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 184 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CATF or SCHD?
CATF has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CATF or SCHD?
Over the past year CATF returned +5.56% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CATF annualized +2.53% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CATF or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.2% for CATF. Worst drawdown: CATF -5.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CATF and SCHD?
CATF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CATF and SCHD?
CATF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 184 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CATF or SCHD?
CATF yields 3.57% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so CATF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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