DMAY vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDMAYSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.06%
AUM$372M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings5104
YTD Return+5.99%+24.26%
1Y Return+10.72%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.68%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+7.17%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)7.2%13.6%
Max Drawdown-13.9%-33.4%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Charles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 15, 2020Oct 20, 2011

DMAY vs SCHD Performance

FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY) 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 DMAY returned +10.72% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, DMAY is up 5.99% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, DMAY compounded at +11.68% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.17% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +7.40%. 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 7.2% for DMAY. 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 -13.9% for DMAY 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DMAY 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, DMAY currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DMAY 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, DMAY or SCHD?

DMAY 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, DMAY or SCHD?

Over the past year DMAY returned +10.72% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DMAY annualized +7.40% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DMAY or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.2% for DMAY. Worst drawdown: DMAY -13.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both DMAY and SCHD?

DMAY and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DMAY and SCHD?

DMAY and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DMAY or SCHD?

DMAY yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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