GAEM vs SCHD
Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF 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 | GAEM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $41M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.29% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +4.48% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.47% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 12, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GAEM vs SCHD Performance
Simplify Gamma Emerging Market Bond ETF (GAEM) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GAEM returned +9.47% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, GAEM is up 4.48% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 4.6% for GAEM. 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 -3.8% for GAEM 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAEM charges 0.76% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $6 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAEM currently yields 5.29% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GAEM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 130 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, GAEM or SCHD?
GAEM has an expense ratio of 0.76% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAEM or SCHD?
Over the past year GAEM returned +9.47% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), GAEM annualized +10.58% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAEM or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 4.6% for GAEM. Worst drawdown: GAEM -3.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GAEM and SCHD?
GAEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAEM and SCHD?
GAEM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 130 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAEM or SCHD?
GAEM yields 5.29% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so GAEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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