MARM vs SCHD
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March 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 | MARM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $108M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +4.17% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.66% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MARM vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - March (MARM) 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 MARM returned +6.66% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, MARM is up 4.17% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 2.0% for MARM. 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 -2.7% for MARM 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARM 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, MARM currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MARM 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, MARM or SCHD?
MARM 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, MARM or SCHD?
Over the past year MARM returned +6.66% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MARM annualized +7.30% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARM or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.0% for MARM. Worst drawdown: MARM -2.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MARM and SCHD?
MARM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARM and SCHD?
MARM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARM or SCHD?
MARM yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.