MULT vs SCHD
Franklin Multisector Income ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. MULT offers more diversification with 338 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MULT | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $12M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.83% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 338 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.31% | +28.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.40% | +32.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.9% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 26, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
MULT vs SCHD Performance
Franklin Multisector Income ETF (MULT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year MULT returned +3.40% while SCHD returned +32.27%. Year to date, MULT is up 1.31% versus a gain of 28.70% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 1.9% for MULT. 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 -1.7% for MULT 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 0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MULT charges 0.39% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $6 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MULT currently yields 3.83% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
MULT and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 288 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, MULT or SCHD?
MULT has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MULT or SCHD?
Over the past year MULT returned +3.40% vs +32.27% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MULT or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 1.9% for MULT. Worst drawdown: MULT -1.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both MULT and SCHD?
MULT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MULT and SCHD?
MULT and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 288 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MULT or SCHD?
MULT yields 3.83% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so MULT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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