BUFE vs SCHD
FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUFE | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $5M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +6.12% | +27.67% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +29.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2026 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BUFE vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF (BUFE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Year to date, BUFE is up 6.12% versus a gain of 27.67% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.6% for BUFE and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFE charges 1.05% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $6 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFE currently yields 0.00% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
BUFE and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 104 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, BUFE or SCHD?
BUFE has an expense ratio of 1.05% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $99 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFE and SCHD?
BUFE and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFE or SCHD?
BUFE yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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