EKG vs SCHD
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EKG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $4M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +15.18% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.18% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.60% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.5% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 22, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
EKG vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Lux Digital Health Solutions ETF (EKG) 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 EKG returned +25.18% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, EKG is up 15.18% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Over three years, EKG compounded at +11.60% per year against +16.97% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +2.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EKG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.5% compared with 13.7% 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 -43.8% for EKG 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EKG charges 0.65% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $6 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EKG currently yields 0.00% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
EKG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 138 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, EKG or SCHD?
EKG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EKG or SCHD?
Over the past year EKG returned +25.18% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EKG annualized +2.21% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EKG or SCHD?
EKG has been the more volatile fund at 26.5% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: EKG -43.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both EKG and SCHD?
EKG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EKG and SCHD?
EKG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EKG or SCHD?
EKG yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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