FBZ vs SCHD
First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FBZ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $7M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.73% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +27.43% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.54% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.18% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.84% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 79.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FBZ vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Brazil AlphaDEX Fund (FBZ) 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 FBZ returned +6.54% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FBZ is up 27.43% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, FBZ compounded at +13.18% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.84% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs -0.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FBZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 79.6% compared with 13.6% 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 -87.5% for FBZ 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FBZ charges 0.80% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $6 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FBZ currently yields 3.73% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FBZ or SCHD?
FBZ has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FBZ or SCHD?
Over the past year FBZ returned +6.54% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), FBZ annualized -0.89% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FBZ or SCHD?
FBZ has been the more volatile fund at 79.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FBZ -87.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FBZ and SCHD?
FBZ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FBZ or SCHD?
FBZ yields 3.73% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so FBZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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