GDV vs SCHD
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. GDV offers more diversification with 715 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDV | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.23% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 715 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.84% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.99% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.43% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.17% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2003 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GDV vs SCHD Performance
Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (GDV) 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 GDV returned +22.99% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, GDV is up 14.84% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, GDV compounded at +20.43% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.17% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +3.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -73.3% for GDV 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDV charges 1.30% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $6 annually, a gap of $124 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDV currently yields 5.23% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GDV and SCHD share 34 holdings out of 745 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GDV or SCHD?
GDV has an expense ratio of 1.30% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $124 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDV or SCHD?
Over the past year GDV returned +22.99% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), GDV annualized +3.42% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDV or SCHD?
GDV has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GDV -73.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GDV and SCHD?
GDV and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDV and SCHD?
GDV and SCHD share 34 common holdings with a 7.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 745 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDV or SCHD?
GDV yields 5.23% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so GDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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