ECF vs SCHD
ECF vs SCHD
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $218M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.63% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.05% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.45% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.27% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.16% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 1986 | Oct 20, 2011 |
ECF vs SCHD Performance
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year ECF returned +20.45% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, ECF is up 8.05% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, ECF compounded at +18.27% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +3.16% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +8.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -83.1% for ECF 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECF charges 1.16% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $6 annually, a gap of $110 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECF currently yields 3.63% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
ECF and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 142 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ECF | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VZ | 1.47% | 3.68% | 2.21% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECF or SCHD?
ECF has an expense ratio of 1.16% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $110 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECF or SCHD?
Over the past year ECF returned +20.45% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ECF annualized +8.27% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECF or SCHD?
ECF has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: ECF -83.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both ECF and SCHD?
ECF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECF and SCHD?
ECF and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 142 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECF or SCHD?
ECF yields 3.63% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so ECF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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