GAUG vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - August 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAUG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $290M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +6.73% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.06% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.16% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 18, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GAUG vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - August (GAUG) 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 GAUG returned +11.06% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, GAUG is up 6.73% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, GAUG compounded at +12.16% per year against +15.40% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, GAUG has the edge at +12.16% annualized vs +11.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 6.2% for GAUG. 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 -10.1% for GAUG 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAUG charges 0.85% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $6 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAUG currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GAUG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAUG or SCHD?
GAUG has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAUG or SCHD?
Over the past year GAUG returned +11.06% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GAUG annualized +12.16% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAUG or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 6.2% for GAUG. Worst drawdown: GAUG -10.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GAUG and SCHD?
GAUG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAUG and SCHD?
GAUG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAUG or SCHD?
GAUG yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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