LVOL vs SCHD
American Century Low Volatility ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, LVOL or SCHD?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. LVOL led over the full window, SCHD over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LVOL | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $9M | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 201 | 103 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4%Best | 15.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -22.4% | -16.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.3 years | $13,730Best | $13,371 |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jan 12, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 506 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. LVOL has data through Apr 22, 2025 and SCHD through Sep 10, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 19, 2021 to Apr 22, 2025 (4.3 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 14.4% for LVOL. 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 -16.9% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 3.00% for SCHD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of LVOL and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $23 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, LVOL or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 14.4% for LVOL. Worst drawdown: LVOL -22.4% vs SCHD -16.9%.
Should I hold both LVOL and SCHD?
LVOL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, LVOL or SCHD?
LVOL yields 1.09% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than LVOL?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. LVOL led over the full window, SCHD over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.