FYX vs SCHD
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FYX delivered stronger 1-year returns. FYX offers more diversification with 526 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 526 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +27.04% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.99% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.40% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.49% | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FYX vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) 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 FYX returned +40.99% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, FYX is up 27.04% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Over three years, FYX compounded at +21.40% per year against +16.97% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.49% and +10.47% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +8.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% compared with 13.7% 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 -62.1% for FYX 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYX charges 0.58% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $6 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYX currently yields 0.90% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FYX and SCHD share 19 holdings out of 590 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FYX or SCHD?
FYX has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYX or SCHD?
Over the past year FYX returned +40.99% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so FYX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FYX annualized +8.86% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYX or SCHD?
FYX has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FYX -62.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FYX and SCHD?
FYX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYX and SCHD?
FYX and SCHD share 19 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 590 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYX or SCHD?
FYX yields 0.90% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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