FMAR vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, FMAR or SCHD?
Option Writing against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FMAR led over 5Y and the full window, SCHD over 1Y and 3Y.
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 | FMAR | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $1.2B | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +12.58% | +24.23%Best |
| 1Y Return | +15.71% | +27.90%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.16% | +15.55%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.74%Best | +9.97% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0%Best | 14.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -14.4%Best | -16.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,654Best | $16,083 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 22, 2021 to Sep 17, 2026 (5.5 years).
FMAR 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 5.5 years both funds cover.
FMAR vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FMAR returned +15.71% while SCHD returned +27.90%. Year to date, FMAR is up 12.58% versus a gain of 24.23% for SCHD.
Over three years, FMAR compounded at +14.16% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.74% and +9.97% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FMAR has the edge at +11.24% annualized vs +10.23%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.4% compared with 9.0% for FMAR. 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 -14.4% for FMAR and -16.9% 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMAR charges 0.85% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $6 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FMAR currently yields 0.00% against 3.00% for SCHD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FMAR 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, FMAR or SCHD?
FMAR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $79 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FMAR or SCHD?
Over the past year FMAR returned +15.71% vs +27.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FMAR annualized +11.24% vs +10.23% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FMAR or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 14.4% annualized versus 9.0% for FMAR. Worst drawdown: FMAR -14.4% vs SCHD -16.9%.
Should I hold both FMAR and SCHD?
FMAR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, 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, FMAR or SCHD?
FMAR yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than FMAR?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FMAR led over 5Y and the full window, SCHD over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.