FTKI vs SCHD
FTKI vs SCHD
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. FTKI offers more diversification with 144 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTKI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $25M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.53% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.86% | +23.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.06% | +30.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 26, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FTKI vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Small Cap BuyWrite Income ETF (FTKI) 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 FTKI returned +23.06% while SCHD returned +30.95%. Year to date, FTKI is up 13.86% versus a gain of 23.53% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.3% for FTKI. 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 -15.2% for FTKI 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTKI charges 0.85% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $6 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTKI currently yields 12.53% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FTKI and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 241 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTKI or SCHD?
FTKI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTKI or SCHD?
Over the past year FTKI returned +23.06% vs +30.95% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTKI annualized +13.31% vs +11.35% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTKI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.3% for FTKI. Worst drawdown: FTKI -15.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FTKI and SCHD?
FTKI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTKI and SCHD?
FTKI and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 241 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTKI or SCHD?
FTKI yields 12.53% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so FTKI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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