FEX vs SCHD
FEX vs SCHD
First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FEX offers more diversification with 369 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 377 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +17.04% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.58% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.18% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.07% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FEX vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Large Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FEX) 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 FEX returned +26.58% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FEX is up 17.04% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, FEX compounded at +19.18% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.07% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -59.7% for FEX 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEX charges 0.57% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $6 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEX currently yields 0.96% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FEX and SCHD share 36 holdings out of 433 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FEX | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABT | 0.31% | 4.49% | 4.18% |
| MRK | 0.18% | 4.32% | 4.14% |
| CVX | 0.42% | 3.95% | 3.53% |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FEX shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FEX or SCHD?
FEX has an expense ratio of 0.57% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEX or SCHD?
Over the past year FEX returned +26.58% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FEX annualized +8.71% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEX or SCHD?
FEX has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FEX -59.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FEX and SCHD?
FEX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEX and SCHD?
FEX and SCHD share 36 common holdings with a 10.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 433 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEX or SCHD?
FEX yields 0.96% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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