FTC vs SCHD
FTC vs SCHD
First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTC offers more diversification with 187 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.18% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 188 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.59% | +23.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.62% | +30.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.36% | +14.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.94% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FTC vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FTC) 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 FTC returned +14.62% while SCHD returned +30.75%. Year to date, FTC is up 10.59% versus a gain of 23.02% for SCHD.
Over three years, FTC compounded at +21.36% per year against +14.89% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.94% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.33% annualized vs +9.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -54.5% for FTC 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTC 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, FTC currently yields 0.18% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FTC and SCHD share 10 holdings out of 277 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTC | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.54% | 4.32% | 3.78% |
| AMGN | 0.38% | 4.25% | 3.87% |
| KO | 0.19% | 4.08% | 3.89% |
| QCOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| F | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FAST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CINF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PAYX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ARES | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTC 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, FTC or SCHD?
FTC 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, FTC or SCHD?
Over the past year FTC returned +14.62% vs +30.75% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FTC annualized +9.88% vs +11.33% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTC or SCHD?
FTC has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FTC -54.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FTC and SCHD?
FTC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTC and SCHD?
FTC and SCHD share 10 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 277 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTC or SCHD?
FTC yields 0.18% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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