SCHD vs XMAR
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March
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 | SCHD | XMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $156M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +8.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +11.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +11.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 3.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -7.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Mar 17, 2023 |
SCHD vs XMAR Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March (XMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while XMAR returned +11.92%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 8.18% for XMAR.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +11.00% for XMAR. Across the full 3-year window we track, XMAR has the edge at +11.61% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 3.3% for XMAR. 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 -7.3% for XMAR. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while XMAR 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 XMAR.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and XMAR 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 XMAR?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while XMAR 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 XMAR?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +11.92% for XMAR, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +11.61% for XMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or XMAR?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 3.3% for XMAR. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs XMAR -7.3%.
Should I hold both SCHD and XMAR?
SCHD and XMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and XMAR?
SCHD and XMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or XMAR?
SCHD yields 3.31% while XMAR yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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