FICS vs SCHD
First Trust International Developed Capital Strength 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 | FICS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $215M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.51% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.67% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.81% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.66% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FICS vs SCHD Performance
First Trust International Developed Capital Strength ETF (FICS) 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 FICS returned +13.67% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FICS is up 9.51% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, FICS compounded at +12.81% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +5.66% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FICS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% 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 -29.2% for FICS 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FICS charges 0.70% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $6 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FICS currently yields 1.91% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FICS and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 150 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, FICS or SCHD?
FICS has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FICS or SCHD?
Over the past year FICS returned +13.67% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FICS annualized +8.36% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FICS or SCHD?
FICS has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FICS -29.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FICS and SCHD?
FICS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FICS and SCHD?
FICS and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 150 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FICS or SCHD?
FICS yields 1.91% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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