GF vs SCHD
New Germany Fund Inc. 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.10% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $207M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.27% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +2.56% | +25.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.09% | +30.41% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.76% | +16.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.35% | +9.64% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | DWS ETF Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 1990 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GF vs SCHD Performance
New Germany Fund Inc. (GF) is a ETF from DWS ETF Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GF returned +1.09% while SCHD returned +30.41%. Year to date, GF is up 2.56% versus a gain of 25.69% for SCHD.
Over three years, GF compounded at +11.76% per year against +16.03% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -3.35% and +9.64% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +1.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.8% 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 -85.0% for GF 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GF charges 1.10% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $110 vs $6 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GF currently yields 2.27% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 151 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, GF or SCHD?
GF has an expense ratio of 1.10% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GF or SCHD?
Over the past year GF returned +1.09% vs +30.41% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), GF annualized +1.50% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GF or SCHD?
GF has been the more volatile fund at 26.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GF -85.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GF and SCHD?
GF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GF and SCHD?
GF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 151 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GF or SCHD?
GF yields 2.27% while SCHD yields 3.13%, 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.