CEF vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. CEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: CEFMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCEFSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.46%0.06%
AUM$7.4B$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings4104
YTD Return-5.55%+24.26%
1Y Return+38.70%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+34.28%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+20.10%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)23.0%13.6%
Max Drawdown-62.3%-33.4%
Fund FamilySprott Asset Management LPCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionJan 16, 2018Oct 20, 2011

CEF vs SCHD Performance

Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CEF returned +38.70% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, CEF is down 5.55% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, CEF compounded at +34.28% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +20.10% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +7.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -62.3% for CEF 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CEF charges 0.46% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $6 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEF currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CEF or SCHD?

CEF has an expense ratio of 0.46% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CEF or SCHD?

Over the past year CEF returned +38.70% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so CEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CEF annualized +7.71% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CEF or SCHD?

CEF has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CEF -62.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both CEF and SCHD?

CEF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, CEF or SCHD?

CEF yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →