HISF vs SCHD
First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HISF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $99M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.11% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.28% | +27.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.70% | +31.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.32% | +16.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
HISF vs SCHD Performance
First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) 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 HISF returned +2.70% while SCHD returned +31.26%. Year to date, HISF is up 0.28% versus a gain of 27.67% for SCHD.
Over three years, HISF compounded at +5.32% per year against +16.66% for SCHD. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.57% annualized vs +1.84%. 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 5.5% for HISF. 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 -10.4% for HISF 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HISF charges 0.83% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $6 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HISF currently yields 5.11% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
HISF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 111 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, HISF or SCHD?
HISF has an expense ratio of 0.83% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HISF or SCHD?
Over the past year HISF returned +2.70% vs +31.26% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HISF annualized +1.84% vs +11.57% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HISF or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 5.5% for HISF. Worst drawdown: HISF -10.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both HISF and SCHD?
HISF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HISF and SCHD?
HISF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 111 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HISF or SCHD?
HISF yields 5.11% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so HISF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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