RFCI vs SCHD
ALPS Dynamic Core Income 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 | RFCI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $15M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.54% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.03% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.97% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.73% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.41% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
RFCI vs SCHD Performance
ALPS Dynamic Core Income ETF (RFCI) 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 RFCI returned +1.97% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, RFCI is down 0.03% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, RFCI compounded at +4.73% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +1.41% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +1.05%. 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 4.3% for RFCI. 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 -13.2% for RFCI 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFCI charges 0.51% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $6 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFCI currently yields 4.54% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
RFCI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 138 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, RFCI or SCHD?
RFCI has an expense ratio of 0.51% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFCI or SCHD?
Over the past year RFCI returned +1.97% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFCI annualized +1.05% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFCI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.3% for RFCI. Worst drawdown: RFCI -13.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both RFCI and SCHD?
RFCI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RFCI and SCHD?
RFCI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFCI or SCHD?
RFCI yields 4.54% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so RFCI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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