FID vs SCHD
First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats 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 | FID | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $165M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.99% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.89% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.59% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.12% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.31% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2013 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FID vs SCHD Performance
First Trust S&P International Dividend Aristocrats ETF (FID) 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 FID returned +21.59% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FID is up 12.89% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, FID compounded at +19.12% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.31% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +6.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FID has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -39.8% for FID 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FID charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FID currently yields 3.99% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FID and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 173 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, FID or SCHD?
FID has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FID or SCHD?
Over the past year FID returned +21.59% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FID annualized +6.49% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FID or SCHD?
FID has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FID -39.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FID and SCHD?
FID and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FID and SCHD?
FID and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 173 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FID or SCHD?
FID yields 3.99% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so FID currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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