CGO vs SCHD
Calamos Global Total Return Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. CGO offers more diversification with 493 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.30% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $203M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.69% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 714 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +19.39% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.45% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.78% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2005 | Oct 20, 2011 |
CGO vs SCHD Performance
Calamos Global Total Return Fund (CGO) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year CGO returned +22.45% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, CGO is up 19.39% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, CGO compounded at +21.55% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.78% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +1.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CGO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -67.0% for CGO 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGO charges 2.30% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $230 vs $6 annually, a gap of $224 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGO currently yields 5.69% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
CGO and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 588 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGO or SCHD?
CGO has an expense ratio of 2.30% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $224 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGO or SCHD?
Over the past year CGO returned +22.45% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), CGO annualized +1.75% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGO or SCHD?
CGO has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: CGO -67.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both CGO and SCHD?
CGO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CGO and SCHD?
CGO and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 588 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGO or SCHD?
CGO yields 5.69% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so CGO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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