GLDM vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. GLDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: GLDMMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGLDMSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.10%0.06%
AUM$27.7B$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings2104
YTD Return+1.85%+25.58%
1Y Return+31.78%+31.06%
3Y Return (annualized)+32.19%+15.55%
5Y Return (annualized)+20.14%+9.61%
Volatility (annualized)15.9%13.6%
Max Drawdown-26.3%-33.4%
Fund FamilySPDR State Street Global AdvisorsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionJun 25, 2018Oct 20, 2011

GLDM vs SCHD Performance

SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GLDM returned +31.78% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, GLDM is up 1.85% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.

Over three years, GLDM compounded at +32.19% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +20.14% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, GLDM has the edge at +16.53% annualized vs +11.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

GLDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -26.3% for GLDM 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 0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GLDM charges 0.10% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $6 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLDM currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, GLDM or SCHD?

GLDM has an expense ratio of 0.10% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.

Which performed better, GLDM or SCHD?

Over the past year GLDM returned +31.78% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so GLDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), GLDM annualized +16.53% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, GLDM or SCHD?

GLDM has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GLDM -26.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both GLDM and SCHD?

GLDM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, GLDM or SCHD?

GLDM yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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