GSEW vs SCHD
Goldman Sachs Equal Weight US Large Cap Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSEW offers more diversification with 500 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSEW | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.38% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 500 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.59% | +28.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.11% | +32.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.39% | +17.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.80% | +10.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GSEW vs SCHD Performance
Goldman Sachs Equal Weight US Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GSEW returned +19.11% while SCHD returned +32.27%. Year to date, GSEW is up 14.59% versus a gain of 28.70% for SCHD.
Over three years, GSEW compounded at +18.39% per year against +17.27% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +8.80% and +10.23% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GSEW has the edge at +12.06% annualized vs +11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -38.6% for GSEW 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSEW charges 0.09% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSEW currently yields 1.38% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GSEW and SCHD share 39 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSEW or SCHD?
GSEW has an expense ratio of 0.09% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSEW or SCHD?
Over the past year GSEW returned +19.11% vs +32.27% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GSEW annualized +12.06% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSEW or SCHD?
GSEW has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GSEW -38.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GSEW and SCHD?
GSEW and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GSEW and SCHD?
GSEW and SCHD share 39 common holdings with a 8.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSEW or SCHD?
GSEW yields 1.38% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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