FMAY vs SCHD
FMAY vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May 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 | FMAY | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +7.67% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.38% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.59% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.32% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FMAY vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) 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 FMAY returned +13.38% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FMAY is up 7.67% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, FMAY compounded at +13.59% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.32% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +10.40%. 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 9.2% for FMAY. 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 -13.6% for FMAY 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMAY 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, FMAY currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FMAY 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, FMAY or SCHD?
FMAY 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, FMAY or SCHD?
Over the past year FMAY returned +13.38% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FMAY annualized +10.40% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FMAY or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 9.2% for FMAY. Worst drawdown: FMAY -13.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FMAY and SCHD?
FMAY and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FMAY and SCHD?
FMAY and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMAY or SCHD?
FMAY yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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