GDEC vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - December 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 | GDEC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $436M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +7.10% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.69% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 15, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GDEC vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - December (GDEC) 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 GDEC returned +13.69% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, GDEC is up 7.10% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 5.3% for GDEC. 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 -10.6% for GDEC 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDEC 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, GDEC currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GDEC 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, GDEC or SCHD?
GDEC 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, GDEC or SCHD?
Over the past year GDEC returned +13.69% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GDEC annualized +11.89% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDEC or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 5.3% for GDEC. Worst drawdown: GDEC -10.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GDEC and SCHD?
GDEC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDEC and SCHD?
GDEC and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDEC or SCHD?
GDEC yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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