MDEV vs SCHD
MDEV vs SCHD
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MDEV | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.36% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.47% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.52% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.69% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 22, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MDEV vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV) 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 MDEV returned +5.47% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, MDEV is down 0.36% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, MDEV compounded at +1.52% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -4.69% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs -3.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MDEV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -42.3% for MDEV 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDEV charges 0.70% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $6 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDEV currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MDEV and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 148 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MDEV | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABT | 1.68% | 4.49% | 2.81% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MDEV or SCHD?
MDEV has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDEV or SCHD?
Over the past year MDEV returned +5.47% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), MDEV annualized -3.61% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDEV or SCHD?
MDEV has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: MDEV -42.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MDEV and SCHD?
MDEV and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MDEV and SCHD?
MDEV and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 148 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDEV or SCHD?
MDEV yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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