BUFX vs SCHD
BUFX vs SCHD
FT Vest Laddered Enhance & 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 | BUFX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $14M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +5.70% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.99% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BUFX vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest Laddered Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF (BUFX) 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 BUFX returned +9.99% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, BUFX is up 5.70% 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 3.4% for BUFX. 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 -2.9% for BUFX 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUFX charges 0.96% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $6 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFX currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
BUFX 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, BUFX or SCHD?
BUFX has an expense ratio of 0.96% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUFX or SCHD?
Over the past year BUFX returned +9.99% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BUFX annualized +10.46% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUFX or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 3.4% for BUFX. Worst drawdown: BUFX -2.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BUFX and SCHD?
BUFX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUFX and SCHD?
BUFX and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 112 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUFX or SCHD?
BUFX yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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