DFII vs SCHD
FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income 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 | DFII | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $17M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 25.66% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -27.47% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | -44.00% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 2, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DFII vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII) 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 DFII returned -44.00% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, DFII is down 27.47% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFII has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.6% 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 -51.0% for DFII 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 -0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFII charges 0.85% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $6 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFII currently yields 25.66% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFII or SCHD?
DFII has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFII or SCHD?
Over the past year DFII returned -44.00% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DFII annualized -16.84% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFII or SCHD?
DFII has been the more volatile fund at 34.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: DFII -51.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DFII and SCHD?
DFII and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFII or SCHD?
DFII yields 25.66% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so DFII 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.