FTGS vs SCHD
First Trust Growth Strength 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 | FTGS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.23% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.66% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.89% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FTGS vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) 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 FTGS returned +16.66% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, FTGS is up 13.23% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +18.89% per year against +15.40% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +20.00% annualized vs +11.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -20.0% for FTGS 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGS currently yields 0.09% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FTGS and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 149 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTGS | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CINF | 2.12% | 0.72% | 1.40% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGS or SCHD?
FTGS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGS or SCHD?
Over the past year FTGS returned +16.66% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +20.00% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or SCHD?
FTGS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FTGS and SCHD?
FTGS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGS and SCHD?
FTGS and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 149 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or SCHD?
FTGS yields 0.09% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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