ILDR vs SCHD
ILDR vs SCHD
First Trust Innovation Leaders 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 | ILDR | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $294M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +16.28% | +24.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.43% | +31.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.62% | +14.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.71% | +9.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ILDR vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Innovation Leaders ETF (ILDR) 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 ILDR returned +27.43% while SCHD returned +31.88%. Year to date, ILDR is up 16.28% versus a gain of 24.08% for SCHD.
Over three years, ILDR compounded at +28.62% per year against +14.92% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.71% and +9.85% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ILDR has the edge at +13.21% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ILDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.5% 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 -44.6% for ILDR 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILDR charges 0.75% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $6 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILDR currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ILDR and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 178 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ILDR | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.78% | 4.32% | 3.54% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILDR or SCHD?
ILDR has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILDR or SCHD?
Over the past year ILDR returned +27.43% vs +31.88% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ILDR annualized +13.21% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILDR or SCHD?
ILDR has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ILDR -44.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ILDR and SCHD?
ILDR and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILDR and SCHD?
ILDR and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 178 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILDR or SCHD?
ILDR yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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