ELFY vs SCHD
ELFY vs SCHD
ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. ELFY offers more diversification with 114 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ELFY | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $191M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +16.22% | +23.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.01% | +30.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS ETF Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 9, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ELFY vs SCHD Performance
ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY) is a ETF from ALPS ETF Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ELFY returned +24.01% while SCHD returned +30.42%. Year to date, ELFY is up 16.22% versus a gain of 23.31% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ELFY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -13.6% for ELFY 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ELFY charges 0.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $6 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ELFY currently yields 0.84% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ELFY and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 213 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ELFY | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| OKE | 0.95% | 1.50% | 0.55% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ELFY or SCHD?
ELFY has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ELFY or SCHD?
Over the past year ELFY returned +24.01% vs +30.42% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ELFY annualized +44.25% vs +11.34% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ELFY or SCHD?
ELFY has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ELFY -13.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ELFY and SCHD?
ELFY and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ELFY and SCHD?
ELFY and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 213 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ELFY or SCHD?
ELFY yields 0.84% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.