GFEB vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - February 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 | GFEB | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $378M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +7.51% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.14% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.52% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 17, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GFEB vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - February (GFEB) 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 GFEB returned +13.14% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, GFEB is up 7.51% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, GFEB compounded at +12.52% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, GFEB has the edge at +13.29% annualized vs +11.39%. 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 GFEB. 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 -9.6% for GFEB 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GFEB 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, GFEB currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GFEB 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, GFEB or SCHD?
GFEB 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, GFEB or SCHD?
Over the past year GFEB returned +13.14% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GFEB annualized +13.29% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GFEB or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 6.2% for GFEB. Worst drawdown: GFEB -9.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GFEB and SCHD?
GFEB and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GFEB and SCHD?
GFEB and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GFEB or SCHD?
GFEB yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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