FTAG vs SCHD
First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture 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 | FTAG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $14M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.16% | +26.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.56% | +31.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.75% | +16.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.04% | +10.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FTAG vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Indxx Global Agriculture ETF (FTAG) 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 FTAG returned +10.56% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, FTAG is up 10.16% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.
Over three years, FTAG compounded at +4.75% per year against +16.34% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.04% and +10.10% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs -17.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTAG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.8% 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 -98.4% for FTAG 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTAG charges 0.70% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $6 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTAG currently yields 1.30% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FTAG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 153 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, FTAG or SCHD?
FTAG has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTAG or SCHD?
Over the past year FTAG returned +10.56% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FTAG annualized -17.44% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTAG or SCHD?
FTAG has been the more volatile fund at 30.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FTAG -98.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FTAG and SCHD?
FTAG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTAG and SCHD?
FTAG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 153 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTAG or SCHD?
FTAG yields 1.30% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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