Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDXFEBWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.85%
AUM$103.7B$31M
Dividend Yield3.31%0.00%
Holdings1046
YTD Return+24.26%+6.09%
1Y Return+31.38%+10.56%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%-
Volatility (annualized)13.6%4.6%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-9.1%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementFirst Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionOct 20, 2011Feb 20, 2024

SCHD vs XFEB Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February (XFEB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while XFEB returned +10.56%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 6.09% for XFEB.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 4.6% for XFEB. 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -9.1% for XFEB. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while XFEB charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $85 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for XFEB.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHD and XFEB 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, SCHD or XFEB?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while XFEB charges 0.85%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or XFEB?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +10.56% for XFEB, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +10.09% for XFEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or XFEB?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.6% for XFEB. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs XFEB -9.1%.

Should I hold both SCHD and XFEB?

SCHD and XFEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and XFEB?

SCHD and XFEB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or XFEB?

SCHD yields 3.31% while XFEB yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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