FNX vs SCHD
FNX vs SCHD
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FNX offers more diversification with 449 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 451 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.77% | +23.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.84% | +30.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.87% | +14.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.20% | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FNX vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FNX) 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 FNX returned +25.84% while SCHD returned +30.42%. Year to date, FNX is up 14.77% versus a gain of 23.31% for SCHD.
Over three years, FNX compounded at +14.87% per year against +14.66% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.20% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.34% annualized vs +8.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -57.6% for FNX 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNX charges 0.62% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $6 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNX currently yields 0.83% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FNX and SCHD share 21 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FNX | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DINO | 0.43% | 0.36% | 0.07% |
| APA | 0.41% | 0.33% | 0.08% |
| BBY | 0.23% | 0.43% | 0.20% |
| FNF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ORI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| M | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COLB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MUR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SWKS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FNX shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNX or SCHD?
FNX has an expense ratio of 0.62% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNX or SCHD?
Over the past year FNX returned +25.84% vs +30.42% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNX annualized +8.95% vs +11.34% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNX or SCHD?
FNX has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FNX -57.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FNX and SCHD?
FNX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNX and SCHD?
FNX and SCHD share 21 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNX or SCHD?
FNX yields 0.83% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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