FSTA vs SCHD
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSTA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.86% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.32% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.06% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.03% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FSTA vs SCHD Performance
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) 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 FSTA returned +6.32% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FSTA is up 10.86% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, FSTA compounded at +8.06% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.03% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +7.16%. 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 12.4% for FSTA. 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 -25.7% for FSTA 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSTA charges 0.08% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $6 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSTA currently yields 2.21% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FSTA and SCHD share 11 holdings out of 182 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSTA or SCHD?
FSTA has an expense ratio of 0.08% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSTA or SCHD?
Over the past year FSTA returned +6.32% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FSTA annualized +7.16% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSTA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.4% for FSTA. Worst drawdown: FSTA -25.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FSTA and SCHD?
FSTA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSTA and SCHD?
FSTA and SCHD share 11 common holdings with a 19.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 182 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSTA or SCHD?
FSTA yields 2.21% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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