FIIG vs SCHD
First Trust Intermediate Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FIIG offers more diversification with 235 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FIIG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $646M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.05% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 235 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.63% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.57% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.51% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 2, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FIIG vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Intermediate Duration Investment Grade Corporate ETF (FIIG) 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 FIIG returned +1.57% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FIIG is down 0.63% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, FIIG compounded at +5.51% per year against +16.29% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +5.40%. 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 6.2% for FIIG. 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 -5.5% for FIIG 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIIG charges 0.49% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $6 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIIG currently yields 5.05% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FIIG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 260 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, FIIG or SCHD?
FIIG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIIG or SCHD?
Over the past year FIIG returned +1.57% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FIIG annualized +5.40% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIIG or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 6.2% for FIIG. Worst drawdown: FIIG -5.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FIIG and SCHD?
FIIG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIIG and SCHD?
FIIG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 260 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIIG or SCHD?
FIIG yields 5.05% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so FIIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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