FTGC vs SCHD
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, FTGC or SCHD?
Commodities against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FTGC led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, SCHD over 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 | FTGC | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $3.3B | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 14.26% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 3 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +37.90%Best | +24.96% |
| 1Y Return | +45.93%Best | +28.75% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.03%Best | +15.71% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.13%Best | +9.86% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6%Best | 14.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -33.4%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $20,228Best | $16,003 |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Commodities | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 23, 2013 to Sep 9, 2026 (12.9 years).
FTGC 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 12.9 years both funds cover.
FTGC vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) 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 FTGC returned +45.93% while SCHD returned +28.75%. Year to date, FTGC is up 37.90% versus a gain of 24.96% for SCHD.
Over three years, FTGC compounded at +17.03% per year against +15.71% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +15.13% and +9.86% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +10.37% annualized vs +3.70%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.3% compared with 13.6% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.45. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
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 14.26% against 3.00% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in FTGC and 100 in SCHD, totalling 12.8% 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 2 positions we hold weights for in FTGC and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 3 and 103.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTGC 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, FTGC or SCHD?
FTGC has an expense ratio of 0.98% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $92 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTGC or SCHD?
Over the past year FTGC returned +45.93% vs +28.75% for SCHD, so FTGC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTGC annualized +3.70% vs +10.37% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTGC or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 14.3% annualized versus 13.6% 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 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, FTGC or SCHD?
FTGC yields 14.26% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so FTGC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than FTGC?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FTGC led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, SCHD over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.