FARX vs SCHD
FARX vs SCHD
Frontier Asset Absolute Return 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 | FARX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $13M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.90% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +23.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.12% | +30.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Frontier Asset Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 19, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FARX vs SCHD Performance
Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF (FARX) is a ETF from Frontier Asset Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FARX returned +18.12% while SCHD returned +30.95%. Year to date, FARX is up 8.92% versus a gain of 23.53% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 5.0% for FARX. 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 -5.8% for FARX 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FARX charges 0.95% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $6 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FARX currently yields 2.90% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FARX and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 112 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, FARX or SCHD?
FARX has an expense ratio of 0.95% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FARX or SCHD?
Over the past year FARX returned +18.12% vs +30.95% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FARX annualized +12.58% vs +11.35% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FARX or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 5.0% for FARX. Worst drawdown: FARX -5.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FARX and SCHD?
FARX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FARX and SCHD?
FARX and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 112 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FARX or SCHD?
FARX yields 2.90% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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