GVI vs SCHD
iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. GVI offers more diversification with 2165 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GVI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.61% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 6,117 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -1.84% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.16% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.75% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.48% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GVI vs SCHD Performance
iShares Intermediate Government/Credit Bond ETF (GVI) 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 GVI returned -0.16% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, GVI is down 1.84% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, GVI compounded at +3.75% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +0.48% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +2.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GVI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.2% 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 -39.1% for GVI 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GVI charges 0.20% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GVI currently yields 3.61% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
GVI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 2265 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, GVI or SCHD?
GVI has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GVI or SCHD?
Over the past year GVI returned -0.16% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), GVI annualized +2.75% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GVI or SCHD?
GVI has been the more volatile fund at 25.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GVI -39.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GVI and SCHD?
GVI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GVI and SCHD?
GVI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2265 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GVI or SCHD?
GVI yields 3.61% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so GVI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.