FYC vs SCHD
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FYC delivered stronger 1-year returns. FYC offers more diversification with 260 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.07% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +27.19% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.80% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.18% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.77% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FYC vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Small Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FYC) 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 FYC returned +47.80% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, FYC is up 27.19% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, FYC compounded at +27.18% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.77% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, FYC has the edge at +12.60% annualized vs +11.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -48.1% for FYC 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYC charges 0.70% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $6 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYC currently yields 0.07% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FYC and SCHD share 4 holdings out of 356 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FYC or SCHD?
FYC has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYC or SCHD?
Over the past year FYC returned +47.80% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so FYC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FYC annualized +12.60% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYC or SCHD?
FYC has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FYC -48.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FYC and SCHD?
FYC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYC and SCHD?
FYC and SCHD share 4 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 356 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYC or SCHD?
FYC yields 0.07% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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