SCHD vs YSEP
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | YSEP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $122M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +26.50% | +8.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.25% | +13.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.34% | +13.31% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.10% | +7.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 11.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Sep 17, 2021 |
SCHD vs YSEP Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (YSEP) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year SCHD returned +31.25% while YSEP returned +13.01%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.50% versus a gain of 8.04% for YSEP.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.34% per year against +13.31% for YSEP; over five years the annualized figures are +10.10% and +7.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +7.28%. 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 11.2% for YSEP. 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 -22.6% for YSEP. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while YSEP charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $90 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 0.00% for YSEP.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and YSEP 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 YSEP?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while YSEP charges 0.90%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or YSEP?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.25% vs +13.01% for YSEP, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs +7.28% for YSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or YSEP?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 11.2% for YSEP. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs YSEP -22.6%.
Should I hold both SCHD and YSEP?
SCHD and YSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and YSEP?
SCHD and YSEP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or YSEP?
SCHD yields 3.13% while YSEP yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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