RFFC vs SCHD
ALPS Active Equity Opportunity 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 | RFFC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $30M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.36% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.78% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.12% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
RFFC vs SCHD Performance
ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF (RFFC) 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 RFFC returned +26.78% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, RFFC is up 14.36% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, RFFC compounded at +21.12% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, RFFC has the edge at +12.23% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFFC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -36.5% for RFFC 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
RFFC charges 0.48% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $6 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFFC currently yields 0.91% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
RFFC and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 154 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFFC or SCHD?
RFFC has an expense ratio of 0.48% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFFC or SCHD?
Over the past year RFFC returned +26.78% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFFC annualized +12.23% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFFC or SCHD?
RFFC has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: RFFC -36.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both RFFC and SCHD?
RFFC 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 RFFC and SCHD?
RFFC and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 4.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 154 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFFC or SCHD?
RFFC yields 0.91% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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