FDEC vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, FDEC or SCHD?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FDEC led over 5Y, SCHD over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDEC | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $1.3B | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +8.93% | +24.23%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.06% | +27.90%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.35% | +15.55%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.61%Best | +9.97% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1%Best | 14.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -15.7%Best | -16.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,557Best | $16,083 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 21, 2020 to Sep 17, 2026 (5.7 years).
FDEC vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.7 years both funds cover.
FDEC vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - December (FDEC) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FDEC returned +14.06% while SCHD returned +27.90%. Year to date, FDEC is up 8.93% versus a gain of 24.23% for SCHD.
Over three years, FDEC compounded at +15.35% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.61% and +9.97% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +12.25% annualized vs +11.25%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.1% for FDEC. 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 -15.7% for FDEC and -16.9% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDEC 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, FDEC currently yields 0.00% against 3.00% for SCHD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FDEC and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDEC or SCHD?
FDEC has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $79 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FDEC or SCHD?
Over the past year FDEC returned +14.06% vs +27.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FDEC annualized +11.25% vs +12.25% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FDEC or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.1% for FDEC. Worst drawdown: FDEC -15.7% vs SCHD -16.9%.
Should I hold both FDEC and SCHD?
FDEC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDEC or SCHD?
FDEC yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than FDEC?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FDEC led over 5Y, SCHD over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.