FCA vs SCHD
First Trust China 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 | FCA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $32M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -6.10% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.90% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.32% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.41% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FCA vs SCHD Performance
First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund (FCA) 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 FCA returned +3.90% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FCA is down 6.10% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, FCA compounded at +16.32% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.41% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +0.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.2% 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 -47.6% for FCA 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCA 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, FCA currently yields 2.86% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FCA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 150 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, FCA or SCHD?
FCA 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, FCA or SCHD?
Over the past year FCA returned +3.90% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FCA annualized +0.88% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCA or SCHD?
FCA has been the more volatile fund at 25.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FCA -47.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FCA and SCHD?
FCA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCA and SCHD?
FCA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 150 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCA or SCHD?
FCA yields 2.86% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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