AKAF vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. AKAF offers more diversification with 139 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: AKAF

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAKAFSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.20%0.06%
AUM$3M$103.7B
Dividend Yield3.02%3.31%
Holdings137104
YTD Return+12.94%+23.31%
1Y Return+29.56%+30.42%
3Y Return (annualized)-+14.66%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.59%
Volatility (annualized)12.9%13.6%
Max Drawdown-9.3%-33.4%
Fund FamilyFrontier Economic FundCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 25, 2025Oct 20, 2011

AKAF vs SCHD Performance

The Frontier Economic Fund ETF (AKAF) is a ETF from Frontier Economic Fund and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AKAF returned +29.56% while SCHD returned +30.42%. Year to date, AKAF is up 12.94% versus a gain of 23.31% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 12.9% for AKAF. 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 -9.3% for AKAF 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AKAF charges 0.20% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AKAF currently yields 3.02% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

10.4%overlap

AKAF and SCHD share 13 holdings out of 226 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.4% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in AKAFWeight in SCHDDifference
COP2.32%3.70%1.38%
KO0.72%4.08%3.36%
UPS2.11%2.25%0.14%
PEPProProPro
SLBProProPro
TGTProProPro
FProProPro
FASTProProPro
APAProProPro
BBYProProPro
See all 10 holdings AKAF shares with SCHD
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, AKAF or SCHD?

AKAF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AKAF or SCHD?

Over the past year AKAF returned +29.56% vs +30.42% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AKAF annualized +29.30% vs +11.34% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AKAF or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.9% for AKAF. Worst drawdown: AKAF -9.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both AKAF and SCHD?

AKAF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AKAF and SCHD?

AKAF and SCHD share 13 common holdings with a 10.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 226 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AKAF or SCHD?

AKAF yields 3.02% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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