FPA vs SCHD
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. FPA offers more diversification with 106 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $111M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +32.37% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.58% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.72% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.02% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FPA vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) 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 FPA returned +43.58% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FPA is up 32.37% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, FPA compounded at +27.72% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.02% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.2% 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 -55.8% for FPA 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPA charges 0.80% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $6 annually, a gap of $74 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPA currently yields 3.88% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FPA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 199 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, FPA or SCHD?
FPA has an expense ratio of 0.80% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $74 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPA or SCHD?
Over the past year FPA returned +43.58% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so FPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FPA annualized +4.66% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPA or SCHD?
FPA has been the more volatile fund at 22.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FPA -55.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FPA and SCHD?
FPA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPA and SCHD?
FPA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 199 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPA or SCHD?
FPA yields 3.88% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so FPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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