GCAD vs SCHD
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
GCAD has a lower expense ratio. GCAD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCAD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $48M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +21.62% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.88% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.90% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GCAD vs SCHD Performance
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund (GCAD) 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 GCAD returned +36.88% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, GCAD is up 21.62% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, GCAD compounded at +35.90% per year against +16.29% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, GCAD has the edge at +30.02% annualized vs +11.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -16.1% for GCAD 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCAD charges 0.00% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $6 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GCAD currently yields 1.75% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GCAD and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 150 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GCAD | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMT | 4.47% | 2.99% | 1.48% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCAD or SCHD?
GCAD has an expense ratio of 0.00% while SCHD charges 0.06%. GCAD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCAD or SCHD?
Over the past year GCAD returned +36.88% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so GCAD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GCAD annualized +30.02% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCAD or SCHD?
GCAD has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GCAD -16.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GCAD and SCHD?
GCAD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCAD and SCHD?
GCAD and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 150 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCAD or SCHD?
GCAD yields 1.75% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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