GAL vs SCHD
State Street Global Allocation 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 | GAL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $303M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.21% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.18% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.97% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.68% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.01% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GAL vs SCHD Performance
State Street Global Allocation ETF (GAL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GAL returned +16.97% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, GAL is up 9.18% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, GAL compounded at +13.68% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.01% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +5.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.0% for GAL. 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 -28.3% for GAL 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAL charges 0.35% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $6 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAL currently yields 3.21% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GAL and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 119 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, GAL or SCHD?
GAL has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAL or SCHD?
Over the past year GAL returned +16.97% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GAL annualized +5.64% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAL or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.0% for GAL. Worst drawdown: GAL -28.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GAL and SCHD?
GAL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAL and SCHD?
GAL and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 119 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAL or SCHD?
GAL yields 3.21% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.