FTCB vs SCHD
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, FTCB or SCHD?
Investment Grade Bond against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCB | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $2.6B | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.41% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 798 | 103 |
| YTD Return | -2.82% | +21.73%Best |
| 1Y Return | -1.78% | +26.35%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.41% | +16.02%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.26% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3%Best | 13.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -5.1%Best | -16.1% |
| $10,000 over 2.9 years | $11,333 | $15,900Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Investment Grade Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.9 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 8, 2023 to Sep 25, 2026 (2.9 years).
FTCB vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.9 years both funds cover.
FTCB vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FTCB returned -1.78% while SCHD returned +26.35%. Year to date, FTCB is down 2.82% versus a gain of 21.73% for SCHD.
Over three years, FTCB compounded at +4.41% per year against +16.02% for SCHD.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.3% compared with 5.3% for FTCB. 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 -5.1% for FTCB and -16.1% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.51. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $6 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.41% against 3.00% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 300 holdings in FTCB and 100 in SCHD, totalling 39.1% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 300 positions we hold weights for in FTCB and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 798 and 103.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTCB and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCB or SCHD?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $50 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCB or SCHD?
Over the past year FTCB returned -1.78% vs +26.35% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCB or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.3% annualized versus 5.3% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.1% vs SCHD -16.1%.
Should I hold both FTCB and SCHD?
FTCB and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or SCHD?
FTCB yields 5.41% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than FTCB?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.