FTGC vs SCHD
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FTGC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.26% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +31.61% | +26.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.45% | +31.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.44% | +16.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.40% | +10.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FTGC vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) 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 FTGC returned +43.45% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, FTGC is up 31.61% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.
Over three years, FTGC compounded at +16.44% per year against +16.34% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +14.40% and +10.10% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +3.34%. 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 13.5% for FTGC. 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 -60.6% for FTGC 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
FTGC charges 0.98% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $6 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGC currently yields 15.26% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FTGC and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 102 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, FTGC or SCHD?
FTGC has an expense ratio of 0.98% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGC or SCHD?
Over the past year FTGC returned +43.45% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so FTGC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTGC annualized +3.34% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGC or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 13.5% for FTGC. Worst drawdown: FTGC -60.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FTGC and SCHD?
FTGC 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 FTGC and SCHD?
FTGC and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 102 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGC or SCHD?
FTGC yields 15.26% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so FTGC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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