GMAY vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, GMAY or SCHD?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GMAY | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | $515M | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 10 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +6.90% | +23.60%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.18% | +28.29%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.57% | +16.25%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.25% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0%Best | 13.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8%Best | -16.1% |
| $10,000 over 3.3 years | $14,552 | $16,070Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | May 19, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: May 22, 2023 to Sep 21, 2026 (3.3 years).
GMAY vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 3.3 years both funds cover.
GMAY vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May (GMAY) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GMAY returned +9.18% while SCHD returned +28.29%. Year to date, GMAY is up 6.90% versus a gain of 23.60% for SCHD.
Over three years, GMAY compounded at +12.57% per year against +16.25% for SCHD.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.4% compared with 6.0% for GMAY. 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 -11.8% for GMAY and -16.1% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.50. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GMAY 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, GMAY currently yields 0.00% against 3.00% for SCHD.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of GMAY and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GMAY or SCHD?
GMAY has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $79 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, GMAY or SCHD?
Over the past year GMAY returned +9.18% vs +28.29% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, GMAY or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.4% annualized versus 6.0% for GMAY. Worst drawdown: GMAY -11.8% vs SCHD -16.1%.
Should I hold both GMAY and SCHD?
GMAY and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, GMAY or SCHD?
GMAY yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than GMAY?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.