GDE vs SCHD
WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. GDE delivered stronger 1-year returns. GDE offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDE | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $475M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.34% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.70% | +28.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.83% | +30.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +48.27% | +16.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 17, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GDE vs SCHD Performance
WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GDE returned +47.83% while SCHD returned +30.95%. Year to date, GDE is up 13.70% versus a gain of 28.48% for SCHD.
Over three years, GDE compounded at +48.27% per year against +16.80% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, GDE has the edge at +29.13% annualized vs +11.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% compared with 13.7% 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 -32.0% for GDE 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDE charges 0.20% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDE currently yields 4.34% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GDE and SCHD share 38 holdings out of 557 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDE or SCHD?
GDE has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDE or SCHD?
Over the past year GDE returned +47.83% vs +30.95% for SCHD, so GDE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GDE annualized +29.13% vs +11.60% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDE or SCHD?
GDE has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GDE -32.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GDE and SCHD?
GDE and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDE and SCHD?
GDE and SCHD share 38 common holdings with a 6.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 557 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDE or SCHD?
GDE yields 4.34% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so GDE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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