DAK vs SCHD
Dakota Active Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. DAK offers more diversification with 138 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DAK | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $42M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.76% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.42% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.12% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Dakota | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DAK vs SCHD Performance
Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) is a ETF from Dakota and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year DAK returned +22.12% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, DAK is up 13.42% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 12.1% for DAK. 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 -7.9% for DAK 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAK charges 0.43% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $6 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAK currently yields 0.76% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DAK and SCHD share 18 holdings out of 220 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAK or SCHD?
DAK has an expense ratio of 0.43% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DAK or SCHD?
Over the past year DAK returned +22.12% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DAK annualized +21.29% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DAK or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.1% for DAK. Worst drawdown: DAK -7.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DAK and SCHD?
DAK and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DAK and SCHD?
DAK and SCHD share 18 common holdings with a 9.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 220 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAK or SCHD?
DAK yields 0.76% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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