FSMD vs SCHD
Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FSMD offers more diversification with 573 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSMD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.6B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 601 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +18.60% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.17% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.80% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.57% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2019 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FSMD vs SCHD Performance
Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FSMD returned +27.17% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FSMD is up 18.60% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, FSMD compounded at +16.80% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.57% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, FSMD has the edge at +11.66% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -40.9% for FSMD 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSMD charges 0.15% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $6 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSMD currently yields 1.20% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FSMD and SCHD share 24 holdings out of 649 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSMD or SCHD?
FSMD has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSMD or SCHD?
Over the past year FSMD returned +27.17% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), FSMD annualized +11.66% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSMD or SCHD?
FSMD has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FSMD -40.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FSMD and SCHD?
FSMD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSMD and SCHD?
FSMD and SCHD share 24 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 649 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSMD or SCHD?
FSMD yields 1.20% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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