BRW vs SCHD
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. BRW offers more diversification with 1,064 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRW | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.43% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $366M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.86% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 1,064 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +3.45% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.09% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.24% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.20% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Saba Capital | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 1988 | Oct 20, 2011 |
BRW vs SCHD Performance
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund (BRW) is a ETF from Saba Capital and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year BRW returned -9.09% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, BRW is up 3.45% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, BRW compounded at +9.24% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.20% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs -1.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BRW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.0% 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 -75.3% for BRW 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRW charges 1.43% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $143 vs $6 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRW currently yields 13.86% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
BRW and SCHD share 6 holdings out of 626 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BRW or SCHD?
BRW has an expense ratio of 1.43% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $137 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRW or SCHD?
Over the past year BRW returned -9.09% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BRW annualized -1.06% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRW or SCHD?
BRW has been the more volatile fund at 14.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: BRW -75.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both BRW and SCHD?
BRW and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRW and SCHD?
BRW and SCHD share 6 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 626 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRW or SCHD?
BRW yields 13.86% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so BRW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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