FLDR vs SCHD
Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLDR offers more diversification with 299 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLDR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.69% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 361 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.45% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.15% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.31% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.17% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FLDR vs SCHD Performance
Fidelity Low Duration Bond Factor ETF (FLDR) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FLDR returned +1.15% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, FLDR is down 0.45% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, FLDR compounded at +4.31% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +3.17% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +2.85%. 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 2.1% for FLDR. 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 -12.2% for FLDR 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLDR charges 0.15% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $6 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLDR currently yields 4.69% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FLDR and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 399 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, FLDR or SCHD?
FLDR has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLDR or SCHD?
Over the past year FLDR returned +1.15% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FLDR annualized +2.85% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLDR or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.1% for FLDR. Worst drawdown: FLDR -12.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FLDR and SCHD?
FLDR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLDR and SCHD?
FLDR and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 399 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLDR or SCHD?
FLDR yields 4.69% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so FLDR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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