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 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFII | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $20M | $112.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 27.63% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | -14.59% | +27.89% | |
| 1Y Return | -30.57% | +29.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 39.3% | 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 -30.57% while SCHD returned +29.93%. Year to date, DFII is down 14.59% versus a gain of 27.89% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFII has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.3% 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 -0.03. 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 27.63% against 3.13% 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 -30.57% vs +29.93% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DFII annualized -5.82% vs +11.56% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFII or SCHD?
DFII has been the more volatile fund at 39.3% 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 -0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFII or SCHD?
DFII yields 27.63% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so DFII currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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