FTXN vs SCHD
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FTXN delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXN | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $162M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.13% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +35.51% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.88% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.47% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.35% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FTXN vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Oil & Gas ETF (FTXN) 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 FTXN returned +44.88% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, FTXN is up 35.51% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, FTXN compounded at +11.47% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +21.35% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +8.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.3% 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 -74.4% for FTXN 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXN 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, FTXN currently yields 2.13% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FTXN and SCHD share 7 holdings out of 136 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXN or SCHD?
FTXN 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, FTXN or SCHD?
Over the past year FTXN returned +44.88% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so FTXN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXN annualized +8.25% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXN or SCHD?
FTXN has been the more volatile fund at 32.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FTXN -74.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FTXN and SCHD?
FTXN and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXN and SCHD?
FTXN and SCHD share 7 common holdings with a 14.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 136 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXN or SCHD?
FTXN yields 2.13% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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