EQL vs SCHD
EQL vs SCHD
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. EQL offers more diversification with 495 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EQL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $758M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.01% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.48% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.77% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.91% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EQL vs SCHD Performance
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year EQL returned +19.48% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, EQL is up 12.01% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, EQL compounded at +15.77% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.91% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, EQL has the edge at +12.09% annualized vs +11.39%. 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 13.6% for EQL. 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 -36.4% for EQL 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQL charges 0.27% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $6 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQL currently yields 1.76% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EQL and SCHD share 43 holdings out of 552 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EQL | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVX | 1.65% | 3.95% | 2.30% |
| PG | 1.04% | 4.15% | 3.11% |
| KO | 1.07% | 4.08% | 3.01% |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings EQL shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQL or SCHD?
EQL has an expense ratio of 0.27% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQL or SCHD?
Over the past year EQL returned +19.48% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EQL annualized +12.09% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQL or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 13.6% for EQL. Worst drawdown: EQL -36.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EQL and SCHD?
EQL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EQL and SCHD?
EQL and SCHD share 43 common holdings with a 11.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 552 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQL or SCHD?
EQL yields 1.76% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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