GYLD vs SCHD
Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. GYLD offers more diversification with 155 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GYLD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $37M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.30% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 155 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.26% | +26.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.46% | +31.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.69% | +16.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.58% | +10.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Arrow Investment Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2012 | Oct 20, 2011 |
GYLD vs SCHD Performance
Arrow Dow Jones Global Yield ETF (GYLD) is a ETF from Arrow Investment Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GYLD returned +14.46% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, GYLD is up 10.26% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.
Over three years, GYLD compounded at +14.69% per year against +16.34% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +7.58% and +10.10% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs -0.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GYLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -70.0% for GYLD 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GYLD 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, GYLD currently yields 7.30% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GYLD or SCHD?
GYLD 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, GYLD or SCHD?
Over the past year GYLD returned +14.46% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GYLD annualized -0.96% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GYLD or SCHD?
GYLD has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: GYLD -70.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both GYLD and SCHD?
GYLD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GYLD and SCHD?
GYLD and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 216 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GYLD or SCHD?
GYLD yields 7.30% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so GYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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