FTA vs SCHD
FTA vs SCHD
First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FTA delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTA offers more diversification with 187 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 189 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +17.98% | +23.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.17% | +30.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.74% | +14.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.13% | +9.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FTA vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) 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 FTA returned +31.17% while SCHD returned +30.95%. Year to date, FTA is up 17.98% versus a gain of 23.53% for SCHD.
Over three years, FTA compounded at +15.74% per year against +14.72% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.13% and +9.56% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.35% annualized vs +7.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -63.8% for FTA 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTA charges 0.58% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $6 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTA currently yields 1.67% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FTA and SCHD share 25 holdings out of 262 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTA | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABT | 0.39% | 4.49% | 4.10% |
| CVX | 0.81% | 3.95% | 3.14% |
| COP | 1.00% | 3.70% | 2.70% |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BMY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ACN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTA 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, FTA or SCHD?
FTA has an expense ratio of 0.58% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTA or SCHD?
Over the past year FTA returned +31.17% vs +30.95% for SCHD, so FTA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FTA annualized +7.16% vs +11.35% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTA or SCHD?
FTA has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FTA -63.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FTA and SCHD?
FTA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTA and SCHD?
FTA and SCHD share 25 common holdings with a 14.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 262 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTA or SCHD?
FTA yields 1.67% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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