DLAG vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August 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 | DLAG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $13M | $112.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 103 | |
| YTD Return | +7.31% | +27.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.57% | +29.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 19, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DLAG vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Dual Directional Buffer ETF - August (DLAG) 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 DLAG returned +9.57% while SCHD returned +29.63%. Year to date, DLAG is up 7.31% versus a gain of 27.60% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 5.8% for DLAG. 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 -4.2% for DLAG 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DLAG 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, DLAG currently yields 0.00% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DLAG or SCHD?
DLAG 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, DLAG or SCHD?
Over the past year DLAG returned +9.57% vs +29.63% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DLAG or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 5.8% for DLAG. Worst drawdown: DLAG -4.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DLAG and SCHD?
DLAG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, DLAG or SCHD?
DLAG yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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