GSG vs SCHD
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. GSG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $927M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 23 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +39.62% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.88% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.54% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.34% | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2006 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GSG vs SCHD Performance
iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (GSG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GSG returned +45.88% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, GSG is up 39.62% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, GSG compounded at +14.54% per year against +15.73% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +15.34% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs -4.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -89.6% for GSG 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSG charges 0.75% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $6 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSG currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GSG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 103 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, GSG or SCHD?
GSG has an expense ratio of 0.75% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSG or SCHD?
Over the past year GSG returned +45.88% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so GSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), GSG annualized -4.15% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSG or SCHD?
GSG has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GSG -89.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GSG and SCHD?
GSG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSG and SCHD?
GSG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 103 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSG or SCHD?
GSG yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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