FTXL vs SCHD
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FTXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +74.50% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +134.44% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +50.66% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +29.45% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FTXL vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) 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 FTXL returned +134.44% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, FTXL is up 74.50% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, FTXL compounded at +50.66% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +29.45% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXL has the edge at +28.68% annualized vs +11.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.4% 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 -43.9% for FTXL 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXL 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, FTXL currently yields 0.09% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FTXL and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 131 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXL or SCHD?
FTXL 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, FTXL or SCHD?
Over the past year FTXL returned +134.44% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so FTXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXL annualized +28.68% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXL or SCHD?
FTXL has been the more volatile fund at 31.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FTXL -43.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FTXL and SCHD?
FTXL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXL and SCHD?
FTXL and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 6.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXL or SCHD?
FTXL yields 0.09% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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