FTBI vs SCHD
First Trust Balanced Income 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 | FTBI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $21M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.32% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +7.57% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.62% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FTBI vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI) 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 FTBI returned +13.62% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FTBI is up 7.57% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 6.2% for FTBI. 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 -5.3% for FTBI 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTBI charges 0.97% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $6 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTBI currently yields 7.32% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FTBI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 114 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, FTBI or SCHD?
FTBI has an expense ratio of 0.97% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTBI or SCHD?
Over the past year FTBI returned +13.62% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTBI annualized +15.80% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTBI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 6.2% for FTBI. Worst drawdown: FTBI -5.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FTBI and SCHD?
FTBI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTBI and SCHD?
FTBI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 114 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTBI or SCHD?
FTBI yields 7.32% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so FTBI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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