GIAX vs SCHD
Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF 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 | GIAX | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $112M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 26.86% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 87 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.67% | +27.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.33% | +31.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | XFunds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GIAX vs SCHD Performance
Nicholas Global Equity and Income ETF (GIAX) is a ETF from XFunds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GIAX returned +17.33% while SCHD returned +31.26%. Year to date, GIAX is up 12.67% versus a gain of 27.67% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GIAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -20.4% for GIAX 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 0.15. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GIAX charges 1.03% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $6 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GIAX currently yields 26.86% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GIAX and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 126 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, GIAX or SCHD?
GIAX has an expense ratio of 1.03% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GIAX or SCHD?
Over the past year GIAX returned +17.33% vs +31.26% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), GIAX annualized +14.24% vs +11.57% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GIAX or SCHD?
GIAX has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GIAX -20.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GIAX and SCHD?
GIAX and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.15, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GIAX and SCHD?
GIAX and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GIAX or SCHD?
GIAX yields 26.86% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so GIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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