Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricQCONSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.32%0.06%
AUM$24M$103.7B
Dividend Yield2.64%3.31%
Holdings1104
YTD Return+5.19%+24.26%
1Y Return+11.45%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+6.95%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)10.6%13.6%
Max Drawdown-22.5%-33.4%
Fund FamilyAmerican Century InvestmentsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryConvertibleEquity
InceptionFeb 16, 2021Oct 20, 2011

QCON vs SCHD Performance

American Century Quality Convertible Securities ETF (QCON) 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 QCON returned +11.45% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, QCON is up 5.19% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, QCON compounded at +6.95% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +1.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.6% for QCON. 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 -22.5% for QCON 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

QCON charges 0.32% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $6 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCON currently yields 2.64% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, QCON or SCHD?

QCON has an expense ratio of 0.32% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.

Which performed better, QCON or SCHD?

Over the past year QCON returned +11.45% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QCON annualized +1.04% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, QCON or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.6% for QCON. Worst drawdown: QCON -22.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both QCON and SCHD?

QCON and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, QCON or SCHD?

QCON yields 2.64% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.