GDXJ vs SCHD
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. GDXJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. GDXJ offers more diversification with 122 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GDXJ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $6.9B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.79% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +81.78% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +57.08% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +27.39% | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 42.2% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GDXJ vs SCHD Performance
VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ) is a ETF from VanEck and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GDXJ returned +81.78% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, GDXJ is up 11.79% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Over three years, GDXJ compounded at +57.08% per year against +16.97% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +27.39% and +10.47% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +3.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.2% 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 -88.7% for GDXJ 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GDXJ charges 0.52% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $6 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GDXJ currently yields 2.77% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GDXJ and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 214 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, GDXJ or SCHD?
GDXJ has an expense ratio of 0.52% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GDXJ or SCHD?
Over the past year GDXJ returned +81.78% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so GDXJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), GDXJ annualized +3.27% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GDXJ or SCHD?
GDXJ has been the more volatile fund at 42.2% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GDXJ -88.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GDXJ and SCHD?
GDXJ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GDXJ and SCHD?
GDXJ and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 214 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GDXJ or SCHD?
GDXJ yields 2.77% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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