CFA vs SCHD
CFA vs SCHD
VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Weighted ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. CFA offers more diversification with 499 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CFA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $537M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 502 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.78% | +23.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.97% | +30.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.46% | +14.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.01% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Victory Capital Management Inc. | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CFA vs SCHD Performance
VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Weighted ETF (CFA) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CFA returned +14.97% while SCHD returned +30.75%. Year to date, CFA is up 10.78% versus a gain of 23.02% for SCHD.
Over three years, CFA compounded at +13.46% per year against +14.89% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.01% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.33% annualized vs +9.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CFA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -37.9% for CFA 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CFA charges 0.35% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $6 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CFA currently yields 1.23% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CFA and SCHD share 46 holdings out of 553 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in CFA | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 0.18% | 4.54% | 4.36% |
| ABT | 0.21% | 4.49% | 4.28% |
| MRK | 0.21% | 4.32% | 4.11% |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings CFA shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CFA or SCHD?
CFA has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CFA or SCHD?
Over the past year CFA returned +14.97% vs +30.75% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), CFA annualized +9.82% vs +11.33% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CFA or SCHD?
CFA has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CFA -37.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CFA and SCHD?
CFA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between CFA and SCHD?
CFA and SCHD share 46 common holdings with a 10.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CFA or SCHD?
CFA yields 1.23% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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