QGRO vs SCHD
American Century US Quality Growth ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QGRO offers more diversification with 188 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QGRO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.18% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 191 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +3.91% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.96% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.87% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.33% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 10, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QGRO vs SCHD Performance
American Century US Quality Growth ETF (QGRO) 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 QGRO returned +7.96% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, QGRO is up 3.91% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, QGRO compounded at +19.87% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.33% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, QGRO has the edge at +14.92% annualized vs +11.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -32.6% for QGRO 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QGRO 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, QGRO currently yields 0.18% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QGRO and SCHD share 11 holdings out of 277 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QGRO or SCHD?
QGRO 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, QGRO or SCHD?
Over the past year QGRO returned +7.96% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), QGRO annualized +14.92% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QGRO or SCHD?
QGRO has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QGRO -32.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QGRO and SCHD?
QGRO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QGRO and SCHD?
QGRO and SCHD share 11 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 277 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QGRO or SCHD?
QGRO yields 0.18% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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