HYFI vs SCHD
AB High Yield ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. HYFI offers more diversification with 666 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYFI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $333M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.67% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 666 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +2.56% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.92% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.20% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | AllianceBernstein L.P. | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
HYFI vs SCHD Performance
AB High Yield ETF (HYFI) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year HYFI returned +5.92% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, HYFI is up 2.56% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Over three years, HYFI compounded at +9.20% per year against +16.97% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +8.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 4.5% for HYFI. 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 -6.3% for HYFI 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYFI charges 0.40% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $6 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYFI currently yields 6.67% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
HYFI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 549 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, HYFI or SCHD?
HYFI has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYFI or SCHD?
Over the past year HYFI returned +5.92% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HYFI annualized +8.73% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYFI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 4.5% for HYFI. Worst drawdown: HYFI -6.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both HYFI and SCHD?
HYFI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYFI and SCHD?
HYFI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 549 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYFI or SCHD?
HYFI yields 6.67% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so HYFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.