FOCT vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - October 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 | FOCT | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.18% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.61% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.92% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.36% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FOCT vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - October (FOCT) 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 FOCT returned +17.61% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FOCT is up 9.18% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, FOCT compounded at +11.92% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.36% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +10.68%. 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 10.1% for FOCT. 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 -14.1% for FOCT 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FOCT 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, FOCT currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FOCT 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, FOCT or SCHD?
FOCT 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, FOCT or SCHD?
Over the past year FOCT returned +17.61% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FOCT annualized +10.68% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FOCT or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.1% for FOCT. Worst drawdown: FOCT -14.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FOCT and SCHD?
FOCT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FOCT and SCHD?
FOCT and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FOCT or SCHD?
FOCT yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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