RCTR vs SCHD
RCTR vs SCHD
First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power 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 | RCTR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $26M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +2.47% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.17% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
RCTR vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) 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 RCTR returned +11.17% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, RCTR is up 2.47% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RCTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -19.0% for RCTR 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RCTR 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, RCTR currently yields 0.40% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
RCTR and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 145 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, RCTR or SCHD?
RCTR 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, RCTR or SCHD?
Over the past year RCTR returned +11.17% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RCTR annualized +13.52% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RCTR or SCHD?
RCTR has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: RCTR -19.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both RCTR and SCHD?
RCTR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RCTR and SCHD?
RCTR and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 145 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RCTR or SCHD?
RCTR yields 0.40% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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