FGSI vs SCHD
FGSI vs SCHD
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGSI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.57% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.63% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.85% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FGSI vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest Growth Strength & Target Income ETF (FGSI) 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 FGSI returned +12.85% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FGSI is up 11.63% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 8.9% for FGSI. 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 -8.6% for FGSI 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGSI 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, FGSI currently yields 7.57% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FGSI and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 147 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGSI or SCHD?
FGSI 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, FGSI or SCHD?
Over the past year FGSI returned +12.85% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FGSI annualized +13.97% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGSI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 8.9% for FGSI. Worst drawdown: FGSI -8.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FGSI and SCHD?
FGSI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGSI and SCHD?
FGSI and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 3.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 147 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGSI or SCHD?
FGSI yields 7.57% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so FGSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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