FTCS vs SCHX
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs Schwab US Large-Cap ETF
Which is better, FTCS or SCHX?
Each has led over a different period.
SCHX has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y, SCHX over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 21.2% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 35.1%.
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 | FTCS | SCHX |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.53% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $8.1B | $73.4B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 52 | 753 |
| YTD Return | +14.44%Best | +10.95% |
| 1Y Return | +15.13%Best | +13.09% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.75% | +20.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.60% | +10.97%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9%Best | -34.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,765 | $16,828Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 21.2%Best | 35.1% |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Nov 3, 2009 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 3, 2009 to Nov 13, 2026 (17 years).
FTCS vs SCHX 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 17 years both funds cover.
FTCS vs SCHX Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Large-Cap ETF (SCHX) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FTCS returned +15.13% while SCHX returned +13.09%. Year to date, FTCS is up 14.44% versus a gain of 10.95% for SCHX.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +12.75% per year against +20.33% for SCHX; over five years the annualized figures are +6.60% and +10.97% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SCHX has the edge at +12.86% annualized vs +11.05%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.4% for SCHX. 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 -31.9% for FTCS and -34.3% for SCHX. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
FTCS charges 0.53% per year while SCHX charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $53 vs $3 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.12% against 1.03% for SCHX.
Holdings Overlap
93.8% of FTCS's money is in holdings SCHX also owns. 17.8% of SCHX's money is in holdings FTCS also owns.
Most of FTCS is already inside SCHX. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
47 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 731 in SCHX, against full books of 52 and 753.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 658 positions for SCHX that do not appear in our book for FTCS (79.9% of the fund), and 3 for FTCS that do not appear in SCHX (6.0%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCS | Weight in SCHX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPLApple, Inc | 1.95% | 7.18% | 5.23% |
| VVisa Inc - Class A Shares | 2.00% | 1.06% | 0.94% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson - Common | 2.07% | 0.95% | 1.12% |
| WMTWalmart, Inc. | 2.01% | 0.83% | 1.18% |
| MAMastercard Inc | 2.01% | 0.77% | 1.24% |
| COSTCostco Wholesale Corp. | 1.98% | 0.67% | 1.31% |
| HDHome Depot Inc/The | 2.05% | 0.49% | 1.56% |
| PGProcter & Gamble Company | 1.97% | 0.55% | 1.42% |
| KOCoca Cola Co. | 1.96% | 0.54% | 1.42% |
| AMGNAmgen Inc. | 2.08% | 0.37% | 1.71% |
93.8% of FTCS is already inside SCHX.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTCS or SCHX?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.53% while SCHX charges 0.03%. SCHX is the cheaper option, by $50 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTCS or SCHX?
Over the past year FTCS returned +15.13% vs +13.09% for SCHX, so FTCS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), FTCS annualized +11.05% vs +12.86% for SCHX. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTCS or SCHX?
FTCS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.4% for SCHX. Worst drawdown: FTCS -31.9% vs SCHX -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTCS and SCHX?
FTCS and SCHX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCS and SCHX?
93.8% of FTCS's money is in holdings SCHX also owns. 17.8% of SCHX's is in holdings FTCS also owns. They hold 47 positions in common, counted across the 50 positions we hold weights for in FTCS and 731 in SCHX.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or SCHX?
FTCS yields 1.12% while SCHX yields 1.03%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHX better than FTCS?
SCHX has a lower expense ratio. FTCS led over 1Y, SCHX over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. FTCS is less concentrated, with 21.2% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 35.1%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.