FIXD vs SCHD
FIXD vs SCHD
First Trust Smith Opportunistic Fixed Income ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FIXD offers more diversification with 321 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FIXD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.68% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 446 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.70% | +22.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.49% | +30.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.71% | +14.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.00% | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FIXD vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Smith Opportunistic Fixed Income ETF (FIXD) 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 FIXD returned +2.49% while SCHD returned +30.94%. Year to date, FIXD is down 0.70% versus a gain of 22.69% for SCHD.
Over three years, FIXD compounded at +3.71% per year against +14.20% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -1.00% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs +0.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 5.8% for FIXD. 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 -21.8% for FIXD 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIXD charges 0.65% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $6 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIXD currently yields 4.68% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FIXD and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 421 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, FIXD or SCHD?
FIXD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIXD or SCHD?
Over the past year FIXD returned +2.49% vs +30.94% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FIXD annualized +0.44% vs +11.31% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIXD or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 5.8% for FIXD. Worst drawdown: FIXD -21.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FIXD and SCHD?
FIXD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIXD and SCHD?
FIXD and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 421 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIXD or SCHD?
FIXD yields 4.68% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so FIXD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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