HOLD vs SCHD
Harbor Alpha Layering 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 | HOLD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | - | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +5.12% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.71% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
HOLD vs SCHD Performance
Harbor Alpha Layering ETF (HOLD) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year HOLD returned +14.71% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, HOLD is up 5.12% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HOLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -9.5% for HOLD 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HOLD charges 0.70% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $6 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
HOLD and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, HOLD or SCHD?
HOLD has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HOLD or SCHD?
Over the past year HOLD returned +14.71% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HOLD or SCHD?
HOLD has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: HOLD -9.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both HOLD and SCHD?
HOLD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HOLD and SCHD?
HOLD and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
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