GUG vs SCHD
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. GUG offers more diversification with 777 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.22% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $539M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.61% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 1,262 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +5.92% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.82% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.76% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GUG vs SCHD Performance
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund (GUG) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GUG returned +8.82% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, GUG is up 5.92% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, GUG compounded at +12.76% per year against +15.40% for SCHD. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +3.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -32.8% for GUG 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUG charges 2.22% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $222 vs $6 annually, a gap of $216 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUG currently yields 8.61% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GUG and SCHD share 10 holdings out of 867 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUG or SCHD?
GUG has an expense ratio of 2.22% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $216 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUG or SCHD?
Over the past year GUG returned +8.82% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), GUG annualized +3.60% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUG or SCHD?
GUG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GUG -32.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GUG and SCHD?
GUG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUG and SCHD?
GUG and SCHD share 10 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 867 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUG or SCHD?
GUG yields 8.61% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so GUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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