FLMI vs SCHD
Franklin Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FLMI offers more diversification with 1,342 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLMI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.96% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 1,342 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.74% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.73% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.61% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.83% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 31, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FLMI vs SCHD Performance
Franklin Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF (FLMI) 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 FLMI returned +6.73% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FLMI is up 1.74% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, FLMI compounded at +5.61% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +1.83% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +2.04%. 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 5.5% for FLMI. 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 -14.7% for FLMI 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLMI charges 0.30% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $6 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLMI currently yields 3.96% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FLMI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 302 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, FLMI or SCHD?
FLMI has an expense ratio of 0.30% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLMI or SCHD?
Over the past year FLMI returned +6.73% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FLMI annualized +2.04% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLMI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 5.5% for FLMI. Worst drawdown: FLMI -14.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FLMI and SCHD?
FLMI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLMI and SCHD?
FLMI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 302 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLMI or SCHD?
FLMI yields 3.96% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so FLMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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