SCHD vs USAF
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Atlas America Fund 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 | SCHD | USAF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.89% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $18M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.45% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 71 | |
| YTD Return | +25.33% | +5.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.31% | +9.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.40% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.70% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 4.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -4.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Atlas Capital Team | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Nov 19, 2024 |
SCHD vs USAF Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Atlas America Fund ETF (USAF) is a ETF from Atlas Capital Team. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% while USAF returned +9.59%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.33% versus a gain of 5.04% for USAF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 4.5% for USAF. 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 -4.5% for USAF. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while USAF charges 0.89%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $89 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 2.45% for USAF.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and USAF share 0 holdings out of 162 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, SCHD or USAF?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while USAF charges 0.89%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or USAF?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.31% vs +9.59% for USAF, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.45% vs +8.46% for USAF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or USAF?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.5% for USAF. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs USAF -4.5%.
Should I hold both SCHD and USAF?
SCHD and USAF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and USAF?
SCHD and USAF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 162 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or USAF?
SCHD yields 3.31% while USAF yields 2.45%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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