RND vs SCHD
RND vs SCHD
First Trust Bloomberg R&D 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 | RND | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $9M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.68% | +23.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.30% | +30.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 30, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
RND vs SCHD Performance
First Trust Bloomberg R&D Leaders ETF (RND) 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 RND returned +20.30% while SCHD returned +30.95%. Year to date, RND is up 9.68% versus a gain of 23.53% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -23.5% for RND 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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RND charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RND currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
RND and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 147 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RND or SCHD?
RND has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RND or SCHD?
Over the past year RND returned +20.30% vs +30.95% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RND annualized +26.34% vs +11.35% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RND or SCHD?
RND has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: RND -23.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both RND and SCHD?
RND and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RND and SCHD?
RND and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 147 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RND or SCHD?
RND yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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