FTCS vs SCHD
FTCS vs SCHD
First Trust Capital Strength ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTCS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $7.8B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.11% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.00% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.02% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.38% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FTCS vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) 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 FTCS returned +11.00% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, FTCS is up 8.92% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +11.02% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.38% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -54.1% for FTCS 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $6 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.11% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FTCS and SCHD share 13 holdings out of 137 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCS | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 2.08% | 4.32% | 2.24% |
| AMGN | 2.03% | 4.25% | 2.22% |
| KO | 2.16% | 4.08% | 1.92% |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PAYX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTCS 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, FTCS or SCHD?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCS or SCHD?
Over the past year FTCS returned +11.00% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FTCS annualized +8.75% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCS or SCHD?
FTCS has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FTCS -54.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FTCS and SCHD?
FTCS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCS and SCHD?
FTCS and SCHD share 13 common holdings with a 20.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or SCHD?
FTCS yields 1.11% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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