SCHD vs USA
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Liberty All-Star Equity Fund
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. USA offers more diversification with 138 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | USA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.92% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 10.35% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 139 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +4.03% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +3.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +8.21% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | +3.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 19.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -84.2% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Liberty All Star Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Oct 31, 1986 |
SCHD vs USA Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Liberty All-Star Equity Fund (USA) is a ETF from Liberty All Star Funds. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while USA returned +3.48%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 4.03% for USA.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +8.21% for USA; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +3.40% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs -0.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -84.2% for USA. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while USA charges 0.92%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $92 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 10.35% for USA.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and USA share 13 holdings out of 225 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or USA?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while USA charges 0.92%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or USA?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +3.48% for USA, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs -0.17% for USA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or USA?
USA has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs USA -84.2%.
Should I hold both SCHD and USA?
SCHD and USA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and USA?
SCHD and USA share 13 common holdings with a 6.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 225 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or USA?
SCHD yields 3.31% while USA yields 10.35%, so USA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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