FLTB vs SCHD
Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, FLTB or SCHD?
Short Term Bond against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FLTB led over the full window, SCHD over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLTB | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $433M | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.79% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 1,056 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +0.50% | +24.23%Best |
| 1Y Return | +1.57% | +27.90%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.36% | +15.55%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.19% | +9.97%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 160.0% | 13.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -24.5%Best | -33.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,144 | $16,083Best |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Short Term Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 27, 2011 to Sep 17, 2026 (14.9 years).
FLTB vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 14.9 years both funds cover.
FLTB vs SCHD Performance
Fidelity Limited Term Bond ETF (FLTB) is an ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FLTB returned +1.57% while SCHD returned +27.90%. Year to date, FLTB is up 0.50% versus a gain of 24.23% for SCHD.
Over three years, FLTB compounded at +5.36% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.19% and +9.97% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FLTB has the edge at +19.77% annualized vs +11.30%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLTB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 160.0% 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 -24.5% for FLTB and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.03. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLTB charges 0.25% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $6 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLTB currently yields 4.79% against 3.00% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 685 holdings in FLTB and 100 in SCHD, totalling 67.7% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 685 positions we hold weights for in FLTB and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 1,056 and 103.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FLTB and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLTB or SCHD?
FLTB has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $19 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FLTB or SCHD?
Over the past year FLTB returned +1.57% vs +27.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FLTB annualized +19.77% vs +11.30% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FLTB or SCHD?
FLTB has been the more volatile fund at 160.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FLTB -24.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FLTB and SCHD?
FLTB and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.03, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLTB or SCHD?
FLTB yields 4.79% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so FLTB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than FLTB?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FLTB led over the full window, SCHD over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.