KNO vs SCHD
AXS Knowledge Leaders 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $46M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.88% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +25.10% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.84% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2015 | Oct 20, 2011 |
KNO vs SCHD Performance
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) is a ETF from Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year KNO returned +29.84% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, KNO is up 25.10% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KNO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 13.7% 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 -15.5% for KNO 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNO charges 0.84% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $6 annually, a gap of $78 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNO currently yields 0.88% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
KNO and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 164 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, KNO or SCHD?
KNO has an expense ratio of 0.84% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $78 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNO or SCHD?
Over the past year KNO returned +29.84% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KNO annualized +21.44% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNO or SCHD?
KNO has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: KNO -15.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both KNO and SCHD?
KNO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNO and SCHD?
KNO and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 164 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNO or SCHD?
KNO yields 0.88% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD 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.