AAEQ vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. AAEQ offers more diversification with 345 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: AAEQ

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAAEQSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.06%
AUM$491M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.09%3.31%
Holdings355104
YTD Return+12.03%+24.26%
1Y Return-+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)-13.6%
Max Drawdown-10.3%-33.4%
Fund FamilyAlpha ArchitectCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 9, 2025Oct 20, 2011

AAEQ vs SCHD Performance

Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Year to date, AAEQ is up 12.03% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.3% for AAEQ and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AAEQ charges 0.09% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAEQ currently yields 0.09% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

7.7%overlap

AAEQ and SCHD share 33 holdings out of 412 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.7% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AAEQWeight in SCHDDifference
UNH0.66%4.54%3.88%
MRK0.57%4.32%3.75%
PG0.60%4.15%3.55%
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See all 10 holdings AAEQ shares with SCHD
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AAEQ or SCHD?

AAEQ has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between AAEQ and SCHD?

AAEQ and SCHD share 33 common holdings with a 7.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 412 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AAEQ or SCHD?

AAEQ yields 0.09% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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