FGSM vs SCHD
FGSM vs SCHD
Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FGSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGSM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.82% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $50M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +18.80% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.79% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Frontier Asset Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 19, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FGSM vs SCHD Performance
Frontier Asset Global Small Cap Equity ETF (FGSM) is a ETF from Frontier Asset Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FGSM returned +31.79% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FGSM is up 18.80% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 11.8% for FGSM. 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 -17.7% for FGSM 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGSM charges 0.82% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $82 vs $6 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGSM currently yields 1.28% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FGSM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 106 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, FGSM or SCHD?
FGSM has an expense ratio of 0.82% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGSM or SCHD?
Over the past year FGSM returned +31.79% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so FGSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FGSM annualized +26.02% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGSM or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 11.8% for FGSM. Worst drawdown: FGSM -17.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FGSM and SCHD?
FGSM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGSM and SCHD?
FGSM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGSM or SCHD?
FGSM yields 1.28% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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