QVAL vs SCHD
Alpha Architect US Quantitative Value ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. QVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QVAL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $582M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +24.64% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.25% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.81% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
QVAL vs SCHD Performance
Alpha Architect US Quantitative Value ETF (QVAL) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year QVAL returned +44.25% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, QVAL is up 24.64% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, QVAL compounded at +19.81% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.28% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% 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 -53.3% for QVAL 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QVAL charges 0.28% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $6 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QVAL currently yields 1.50% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
QVAL and SCHD share 10 holdings out of 141 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QVAL or SCHD?
QVAL has an expense ratio of 0.28% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QVAL or SCHD?
Over the past year QVAL returned +44.25% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so QVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QVAL annualized +8.79% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QVAL or SCHD?
QVAL has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: QVAL -53.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both QVAL and SCHD?
QVAL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QVAL and SCHD?
QVAL and SCHD share 10 common holdings with a 11.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 141 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QVAL or SCHD?
QVAL yields 1.50% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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