DMAR vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March 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 | DMAR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $454M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.70% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.28% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.79% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.74% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
DMAR vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (DMAR) 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 DMAR returned +13.28% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, DMAR is up 8.70% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, DMAR compounded at +11.79% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.74% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 6.1% for DMAR. 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 -9.8% for DMAR 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DMAR 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, DMAR currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
DMAR and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, DMAR or SCHD?
DMAR 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, DMAR or SCHD?
Over the past year DMAR returned +13.28% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DMAR annualized +8.10% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DMAR or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 6.1% for DMAR. Worst drawdown: DMAR -9.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both DMAR and SCHD?
DMAR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DMAR and SCHD?
DMAR and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DMAR or SCHD?
DMAR yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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