FEMB vs SCHD
First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond 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 | FEMB | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $380M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.19% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +2.96% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.98% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.72% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.10% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FEMB vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Emerging Markets Local Currency Bond ETF (FEMB) 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 FEMB returned +7.98% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FEMB is up 2.96% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, FEMB compounded at +7.72% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +3.10% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs -1.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 11.4% for FEMB. 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 -47.5% for FEMB 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEMB 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, FEMB currently yields 6.19% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FEMB and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, FEMB or SCHD?
FEMB has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEMB or SCHD?
Over the past year FEMB returned +7.98% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FEMB annualized -1.78% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEMB or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 11.4% for FEMB. Worst drawdown: FEMB -47.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FEMB and SCHD?
FEMB and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEMB and SCHD?
FEMB and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEMB or SCHD?
FEMB yields 6.19% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so FEMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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