FNY vs SCHD
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FNY offers more diversification with 226 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNY | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $600M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 226 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +15.99% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.18% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.49% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.35% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FNY vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) 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 FNY returned +26.18% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FNY is up 15.99% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, FNY compounded at +19.49% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.35% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FNY has the edge at +11.71% annualized vs +11.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -38.9% for FNY 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNY charges 0.73% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $6 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNY currently yields 0.00% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNY or SCHD?
FNY has an expense ratio of 0.73% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNY or SCHD?
Over the past year FNY returned +26.18% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNY annualized +11.71% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNY or SCHD?
FNY has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FNY -38.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FNY and SCHD?
FNY and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNY and SCHD?
FNY and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 323 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNY or SCHD?
FNY yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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