FLAU vs SCHD
Franklin FTSE Australia ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLAU offers more diversification with 111 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLAU | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $181M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.05% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.75% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.11% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.26% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FLAU vs SCHD Performance
Franklin FTSE Australia ETF (FLAU) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FLAU returned +15.75% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FLAU is up 13.75% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, FLAU compounded at +15.11% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.26% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +6.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -46.0% for FLAU 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLAU charges 0.09% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLAU currently yields 3.05% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FLAU and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 204 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, FLAU or SCHD?
FLAU has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLAU or SCHD?
Over the past year FLAU returned +15.75% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLAU annualized +6.76% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLAU or SCHD?
FLAU has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FLAU -46.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FLAU and SCHD?
FLAU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLAU and SCHD?
FLAU and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 204 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLAU or SCHD?
FLAU yields 3.05% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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