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

MetricRDOGSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.06%
AUM$12M$103.7B
Dividend Yield6.12%3.31%
Holdings46104
YTD Return+17.88%+24.26%
1Y Return+23.80%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.55%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+2.41%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)21.3%13.6%
Max Drawdown-70.5%-33.4%
Fund FamilyALPS AdvisorsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMay 7, 2008Oct 20, 2011

RDOG vs SCHD Performance

ALPS REIT Dividend Dogs ETF (RDOG) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year RDOG returned +23.80% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, RDOG is up 17.88% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, RDOG compounded at +10.55% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.41% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +0.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

RDOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 -70.5% for RDOG 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RDOG charges 0.35% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $6 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RDOG currently yields 6.12% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

RDOG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 143 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, RDOG or SCHD?

RDOG has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RDOG or SCHD?

Over the past year RDOG returned +23.80% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), RDOG annualized +0.95% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RDOG or SCHD?

RDOG has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: RDOG -70.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both RDOG and SCHD?

RDOG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between RDOG and SCHD?

RDOG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 143 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RDOG or SCHD?

RDOG yields 6.12% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so RDOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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