GRID vs SCHD
GRID vs SCHD
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. GRID delivered stronger 1-year returns. GRID offers more diversification with 120 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GRID | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $11.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.78% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +20.20% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.62% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.94% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.02% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 16, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GRID vs SCHD Performance
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index Fund (GRID) 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 GRID returned +31.62% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, GRID is up 20.20% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, GRID compounded at +23.94% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +15.02% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, GRID has the edge at +11.91% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GRID has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% compared with 13.6% 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 -40.5% for GRID 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GRID charges 0.56% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $6 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRID currently yields 0.78% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GRID or SCHD?
GRID has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRID or SCHD?
Over the past year GRID returned +31.62% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so GRID leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), GRID annualized +11.91% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRID or SCHD?
GRID has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GRID -40.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GRID and SCHD?
GRID and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GRID and SCHD?
GRID and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 218 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRID or SCHD?
GRID yields 0.78% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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