AFMC vs SCHD
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. AFMC offers more diversification with 266 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFMC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $205M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 266 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +19.17% | +26.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.23% | +31.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.40% | +16.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.59% | +10.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Oct 20, 2011 |
AFMC vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year AFMC returned +27.23% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, AFMC is up 19.17% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.
Over three years, AFMC compounded at +20.40% per year against +16.34% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.59% and +10.10% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFMC has the edge at +12.42% annualized vs +11.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFMC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -42.1% for AFMC 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFMC charges 0.68% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $6 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFMC currently yields 0.70% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
AFMC and SCHD share 13 holdings out of 349 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFMC or SCHD?
AFMC has an expense ratio of 0.68% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFMC or SCHD?
Over the past year AFMC returned +27.23% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFMC annualized +12.42% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFMC or SCHD?
AFMC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: AFMC -42.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both AFMC and SCHD?
AFMC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFMC and SCHD?
AFMC and SCHD share 13 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 349 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFMC or SCHD?
AFMC yields 0.70% while SCHD yields 3.13%, 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.