FSEP vs SCHD
FSEP vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September 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 | FSEP | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.25% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.22% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.60% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.37% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2020 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FSEP vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - September (FSEP) 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 FSEP returned +15.22% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FSEP is up 9.25% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, FSEP compounded at +13.60% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.37% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FSEP has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +11.39%. 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 9.7% for FSEP. 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 -13.8% for FSEP 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
FSEP 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, FSEP currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FSEP 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, FSEP or SCHD?
FSEP 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, FSEP or SCHD?
Over the past year FSEP returned +15.22% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FSEP annualized +11.63% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSEP or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 9.7% for FSEP. Worst drawdown: FSEP -13.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FSEP and SCHD?
FSEP 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 FSEP and SCHD?
FSEP and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSEP or SCHD?
FSEP yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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