FPX vs SCHD
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +16.09% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.47% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.90% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.18% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 12, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FPX vs SCHD Performance
First Trust US Equity Opportunities ETF (FPX) 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 FPX returned +27.47% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FPX is up 16.09% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, FPX compounded at +30.90% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.18% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FPX has the edge at +11.84% annualized vs +11.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -56.4% for FPX 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPX charges 0.57% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $6 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPX currently yields 0.48% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FPX and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 199 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FPX | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DINO | 1.73% | 0.31% | 1.42% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPX or SCHD?
FPX has an expense ratio of 0.57% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPX or SCHD?
Over the past year FPX returned +27.47% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FPX annualized +11.84% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPX or SCHD?
FPX has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FPX -56.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FPX and SCHD?
FPX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPX and SCHD?
FPX and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 199 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPX or SCHD?
FPX yields 0.48% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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