Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FITE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: FITEMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFITESCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.45%0.06%
AUM$144M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.15%3.31%
Holdings78104
YTD Return+33.90%+24.26%
1Y Return+51.16%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+34.27%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+17.85%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)21.4%13.6%
Max Drawdown-37.2%-33.4%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 18, 2017Oct 20, 2011

FITE vs SCHD Performance

State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF (FITE) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FITE returned +51.16% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FITE is up 33.90% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, FITE compounded at +34.27% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +17.85% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, FITE has the edge at +17.21% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

FITE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -37.2% for FITE 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

FITE charges 0.45% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $6 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FITE currently yields 0.15% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

1.3%overlap

FITE and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 178 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FITEWeight in SCHDDifference
LMT1.29%2.66%1.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FITE or SCHD?

FITE has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FITE or SCHD?

Over the past year FITE returned +51.16% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so FITE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FITE annualized +17.21% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FITE or SCHD?

FITE has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FITE -37.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both FITE and SCHD?

FITE 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 FITE and SCHD?

FITE and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 178 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FITE or SCHD?

FITE yields 0.15% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.