FMAR vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMAR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.01% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.06% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.07% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.66% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FMAR vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - March (FMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FMAR returned +17.06% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FMAR is up 12.01% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, FMAR compounded at +14.07% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.66% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +11.38%. 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 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 -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 0.70. 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 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FMAR and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, FMAR or SCHD?
FMAR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FMAR or SCHD?
Over the past year FMAR returned +17.06% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), FMAR annualized +11.38% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMAR or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 9.0% for FMAR. Worst drawdown: FMAR -14.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FMAR and SCHD?
FMAR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMAR and SCHD?
FMAR and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMAR or SCHD?
FMAR yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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