LVOL vs SCHD
American Century Low Volatility ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. LVOL offers more diversification with 201 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LVOL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $9M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 201 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -4.83% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.40% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.97% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 12, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
LVOL vs SCHD Performance
American Century Low Volatility ETF (LVOL) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year LVOL returned +5.40% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, LVOL is down 4.83% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, LVOL compounded at +5.97% per year against +15.55% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +7.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.4% 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 -22.4% for LVOL 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LVOL charges 0.29% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $6 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LVOL currently yields 1.09% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LVOL or SCHD?
LVOL has an expense ratio of 0.29% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LVOL or SCHD?
Over the past year LVOL returned +5.40% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), LVOL annualized +7.65% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LVOL or SCHD?
LVOL has been the more volatile fund at 14.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: LVOL -22.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both LVOL and SCHD?
LVOL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, LVOL or SCHD?
LVOL yields 1.09% while SCHD yields 3.31%, 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.