FSMD vs. SCHD

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

FSMD (Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FSMD is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FSMD returned 10.07%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for SCHD. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FSMD charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

FSMD vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FSMD achieves a 15.30% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 21.36% return.

FSMD

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: -2.04%
• 6M: 9.94%
• YTD: 15.30%
• 1Y: 22.01%
• 3Y*: 15.26%
• 5Y*: 10.07%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.63%

SCHD

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 3.61%
• 6M: 15.19%
• YTD: 21.36%
• 1Y: 25.66%
• 3Y*: 13.54%
• 5Y*: 9.15%
• 10Y*: 12.32%
• ALL TIME*: 13.25%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FSMD vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	15.30%	8.70%	15.18%	17.37%	-11.15%	26.40%	8.94%	8.81%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	21.36%	4.34%	11.66%	4.54%	-3.26%	29.87%	15.03%	15.33%

Correlation

The correlation between FSMD and SCHD is 0.51, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.51
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.70
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 28, 2019	0.80

Over the past year, the correlation between FSMD and SCHD has dropped to 0.51 - well below their long-term average of 0.80, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FSMD vs. SCHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FSMD	SCHD
Technology	20.9%	12.7%
Industrials	20.3%	7.8%
Financial Services	15.2%	9.9%
Healthcare	12.2%	20.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	7.7%
Real Estate	6.1%	-
Energy	3.7%	14.1%
Basic Materials	3.5%	1.2%
Consumer Defensive	2.9%	20.6%
Communication Services	2.8%	6.2%
Utilities	1.9%	0.1%

Return for Risk

FSMD vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FSMD

FSMD Risk / Return Rank: 61
FSMD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FSMD Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FSMD Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FSMD Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
FSMD Martin Ratio Rank: 69

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 91
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 88
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 87

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FSMD vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FSMD	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.41	2.34	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.11	3.63	-1.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.42	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.62	5.59	-2.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.08	13.64	-4.56

FSMD vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FSMD Sharpe Ratio is 1.41, which is lower than the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FSMD and SCHD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FSMD vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FSMD drawdown since its inception was -40.67%, which is greater than SCHD's maximum drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FSMD and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FSMD	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.67%	-33.37%	-7.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.44%	-4.61%	-3.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.16%	-16.13%	-6.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.16%	-16.85%	-5.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.41%	-0.88%	-3.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.93%	-3.30%	-2.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.43%	1.89%	+0.54%

Volatility

FSMD vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF (FSMD) has a higher volatility of 4.36% compared to Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) at 3.63%. This indicates that FSMD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FSMD	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.36%	3.63%	+0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.30%	7.97%	+4.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.77%	11.05%	+4.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.53%	14.37%	+4.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.35%	16.71%	+4.64%

FSMD vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FSMD has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FSMD vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

FSMD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.26%, less than SCHD's 3.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSMD Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor ETF	1.26%	1.33%	1.29%	1.37%	1.54%	1.18%	1.32%	1.37%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.20%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FSMD and SCHD in my portfolio?

FSMD and SCHD have a correlation of 0.51, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FSMD or SCHD?

FSMD has higher volatility (4.36%) compared to SCHD (3.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FSMD dropped -40.67% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, FSMD or SCHD?

On 5-year performance, FSMD leads with 10.07% vs 9.15% for SCHD. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, SCHD has been the lower-risk option at 3.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FSMD or SCHD?

Over the 5-year period, FSMD has performed better with a 10.07% return vs 9.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FSMD or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for FSMD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FSMD or SCHD?

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.20%, compared with 1.26% for FSMD.

What is the main difference between FSMD and SCHD?

FSMD is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SCHD is Dividend. FSMD tracks Fidelity Small-Mid Multifactor Index, while SCHD tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for FSMD and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.41), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.