RBLD vs SCHD
RBLD vs SCHD
First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RBLD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $57M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +17.77% | +24.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.51% | +31.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.73% | +14.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 13, 2008 | Oct 20, 2011 |
RBLD vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Alerian US NextGen Infrastructure ETF (RBLD) 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 RBLD returned +21.51% while SCHD returned +31.88%. Year to date, RBLD is up 17.77% versus a gain of 24.08% for SCHD.
Over three years, RBLD compounded at +19.73% per year against +14.92% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, RBLD has the edge at +17.29% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RBLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -19.1% for RBLD 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RBLD charges 0.65% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $6 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RBLD currently yields 1.03% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
RBLD and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 197 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RBLD or SCHD?
RBLD has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RBLD or SCHD?
Over the past year RBLD returned +21.51% vs +31.88% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), RBLD annualized +17.29% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RBLD or SCHD?
RBLD has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: RBLD -19.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both RBLD and SCHD?
RBLD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RBLD and SCHD?
RBLD and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 197 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RBLD or SCHD?
RBLD yields 1.03% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.