GOAU vs SCHD
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. GOAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GOAU | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $195M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.35% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +55.75% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +47.77% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +23.71% | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.6% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GOAU vs SCHD Performance
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc. and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GOAU returned +55.75% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, GOAU is up 11.35% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Over three years, GOAU compounded at +47.77% per year against +16.97% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +23.71% and +10.47% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GOAU has the edge at +17.85% annualized vs +11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.6% 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 -52.9% for GOAU 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOAU charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GOAU currently yields 1.09% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GOAU and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 131 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, GOAU or SCHD?
GOAU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GOAU or SCHD?
Over the past year GOAU returned +55.75% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so GOAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GOAU annualized +17.85% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOAU or SCHD?
GOAU has been the more volatile fund at 36.6% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GOAU -52.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GOAU and SCHD?
GOAU and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOAU and SCHD?
GOAU and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 131 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOAU or SCHD?
GOAU yields 1.09% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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