FXH vs SCHD
First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXH | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.81% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +15.58% | +26.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.68% | +31.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.41% | +16.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.02% | +10.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FXH vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund (FXH) 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 FXH returned +25.68% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, FXH is up 15.58% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.
Over three years, FXH compounded at +9.41% per year against +16.34% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.02% and +10.10% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +10.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -43.7% for FXH 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
FXH charges 0.61% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $6 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXH currently yields 0.81% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FXH and SCHD share 4 holdings out of 169 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXH or SCHD?
FXH has an expense ratio of 0.61% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXH or SCHD?
Over the past year FXH returned +25.68% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FXH annualized +10.41% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXH or SCHD?
FXH has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FXH -43.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FXH and SCHD?
FXH 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 FXH and SCHD?
FXH and SCHD share 4 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 169 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXH or SCHD?
FXH yields 0.81% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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