FDTS vs SCHD
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FDTS delivered stronger 1-year returns. FDTS offers more diversification with 412 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDTS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $14M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 412 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +21.82% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.51% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.28% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 15, 2012 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FDTS vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) 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 FDTS returned +37.51% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FDTS is up 21.82% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, FDTS compounded at +26.28% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.99% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDTS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -53.2% for FDTS 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDTS 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, FDTS currently yields 2.87% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FDTS and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 499 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, FDTS or SCHD?
FDTS 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, FDTS or SCHD?
Over the past year FDTS returned +37.51% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so FDTS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDTS annualized +7.29% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDTS or SCHD?
FDTS has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FDTS -53.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FDTS and SCHD?
FDTS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDTS and SCHD?
FDTS and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 499 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDTS or SCHD?
FDTS yields 2.87% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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