GUT vs SCHD
Gabelli Utility Trust (The) vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. GUT offers more diversification with 204 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUT | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.06% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $326M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 19.70% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 204 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.58% | +26.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.93% | +31.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +16.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.46% | +10.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 9, 1999 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GUT vs SCHD Performance
Gabelli Utility Trust (The) (GUT) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GUT returned +17.93% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, GUT is up 12.58% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.
Over three years, GUT compounded at +8.77% per year against +16.34% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.46% and +10.10% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +0.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -57.6% for GUT 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUT charges 2.06% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $206 vs $6 annually, a gap of $200 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUT currently yields 19.70% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GUT and SCHD share 6 holdings out of 287 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUT or SCHD?
GUT has an expense ratio of 2.06% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $200 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUT or SCHD?
Over the past year GUT returned +17.93% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), GUT annualized +0.82% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUT or SCHD?
GUT has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GUT -57.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GUT and SCHD?
GUT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUT and SCHD?
GUT and SCHD share 6 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 287 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUT or SCHD?
GUT yields 19.70% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so GUT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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