BUFS vs SCHD
BUFS vs SCHD
FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer 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 | BUFS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $180M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.45% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.29% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 29, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BUFS vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest Laddered Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFS) 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 BUFS returned +19.29% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BUFS is up 10.45% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 8.2% for BUFS. 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 -15.0% for BUFS 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFS charges 1.01% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $6 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFS currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
BUFS 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, BUFS or SCHD?
BUFS has an expense ratio of 1.01% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFS or SCHD?
Over the past year BUFS returned +19.29% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BUFS annualized +11.55% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFS or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 8.2% for BUFS. Worst drawdown: BUFS -15.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BUFS and SCHD?
BUFS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFS and SCHD?
BUFS and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 104 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFS or SCHD?
BUFS yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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