QPFF vs SCHD
American Century Quality Preferred 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QPFF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $40M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.03% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.90% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.38% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.39% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 16, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QPFF vs SCHD Performance
American Century Quality Preferred ETF (QPFF) 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 QPFF returned +0.38% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, QPFF is up 0.90% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, QPFF compounded at +5.39% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +2.87%. 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 8.9% for QPFF. 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 -15.2% for QPFF 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QPFF 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, QPFF currently yields 6.03% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QPFF or SCHD?
QPFF 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, QPFF or SCHD?
Over the past year QPFF returned +0.38% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), QPFF annualized +2.87% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QPFF or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 8.9% for QPFF. Worst drawdown: QPFF -15.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QPFF and SCHD?
QPFF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QPFF or SCHD?
QPFF yields 6.03% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so QPFF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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