FAN vs SCHD
First Trust Global Wind Energy 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 | FAN | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $256M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.49% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.17% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.89% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.03% | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2008 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FAN vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN) 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 FAN returned +28.17% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, FAN is up 13.49% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Over three years, FAN compounded at +16.89% per year against +16.97% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.03% and +10.47% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs -1.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% 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 -82.1% for FAN 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAN charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAN currently yields 0.99% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FAN and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 146 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FAN | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CWEN | 1.78% | 0.10% | 1.68% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAN or SCHD?
FAN has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAN or SCHD?
Over the past year FAN returned +28.17% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FAN annualized -1.01% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAN or SCHD?
FAN has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FAN -82.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FAN and SCHD?
FAN and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAN and SCHD?
FAN and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 146 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAN or SCHD?
FAN yields 0.99% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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