Generated August 8, 2026.
Overview
FTEC and SCHG are both low-cost, large-cap U.S. equity ETFs that track different indices. FTEC tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology Index, which isolates the tech sector across large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks. SCHG tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Growth Index, which includes large-cap growth stocks across all sectors. The core distinction: FTEC is a concentrated sector play; SCHG is a diversified growth-stock fund.
How they differ
FTEC's defining feature is sector concentration—it holds only information technology companies, while SCHG spans all sectors but filters for growth characteristics. This makes FTEC roughly 22 basis points more expensive to own (beta of 1.43 vs. 1.21), meaning it amplifies market moves significantly more. SCHG's 4-basis-point expense ratio also undercuts FTEC's 8 basis points, and SCHG carries $62.4B in assets compared to FTEC's $19.9B. Both pay minimal distributions—0.40% and 0.38% respectively—reflecting the low-yield nature of growth equity. SCHG has been around since late 2009, while FTEC launched in 2013.
Who each is best for
FTEC: Fits investors who want concentrated exposure to U.S. technology sector growth across market caps and are comfortable with higher volatility to pursue tech-specific returns.
SCHG: Fits investors seeking broad, diversified large-cap growth exposure across sectors while minimizing cost drag through a lower expense ratio.
Key risks to know
- Sector concentration (FTEC). Tech represents roughly 30–35% of the broad U.S. market. FTEC's 100% allocation to information technology creates significant idiosyncratic risk—sector downturns will hit much harder than a diversified portfolio, and the beta of 1.43 amplifies losses in broad sell-offs.
- Growth-style sensitivity (both). Both funds tilt toward growth stocks, which carry elevated valuations relative to value peers. Rising interest rates or a rotation toward cheaper equities can depress returns for both, though SCHG's diversification across sectors offers some hedge.
- Amplified downside in corrections. FTEC's higher beta (1.43) means it will likely fall faster than the market in a downturn; SCHG's 1.21 beta still exceeds the market but provides more cushion.
- Holdings overlap risk (SCHG + FTEC together). If held in the same portfolio, these funds' exposures will overlap substantially in mega-cap tech names, potentially concentrating rather than diversifying a holding.
Bottom line
If you want pure-play technology sector exposure and accept higher volatility for that focus, FTEC delivers. If you prefer lower-cost, diversified growth across sectors, SCHG's narrower expense ratio and broader composition stand out. Past performance does not predict future results.
AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.