AOA vs SCHD
AOA vs SCHD
iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation 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 | AOA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.05% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.49% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.87% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.10% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.26% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2008 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AOA vs SCHD Performance
iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AOA returned +20.87% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, AOA is up 11.49% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, AOA compounded at +17.10% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.26% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 12.9% for AOA. 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 -28.4% for AOA 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
AOA charges 0.15% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $6 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOA currently yields 2.05% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AOA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 108 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, AOA or SCHD?
AOA has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOA or SCHD?
Over the past year AOA returned +20.87% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), AOA annualized +8.78% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.9% for AOA. Worst drawdown: AOA -28.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AOA and SCHD?
AOA 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 AOA and SCHD?
AOA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 108 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOA or SCHD?
AOA yields 2.05% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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