HGRO vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHGROSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.70%0.06%
AUM$126M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.07%3.31%
Holdings54104
YTD Return+8.51%+25.62%
1Y Return+17.32%+32.62%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.58%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.63%
Volatility (annualized)10.8%13.6%
Max Drawdown-7.6%-33.4%
Fund FamilyHedgeye Asset ManagementCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 10, 2025Oct 20, 2011

HGRO vs SCHD Performance

Hedgeye Quality Growth ETF (HGRO) is a ETF from Hedgeye Asset Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year HGRO returned +17.32% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, HGRO is up 8.51% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.8% for HGRO. 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 -7.6% for HGRO 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HGRO charges 0.70% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $6 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HGRO currently yields 0.07% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

4.7%overlap

HGRO and SCHD share 3 holdings out of 145 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.7% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in HGROWeight in SCHDDifference
UNH1.57%4.54%2.97%
MRK1.56%4.32%2.76%
KO1.57%4.08%2.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HGRO or SCHD?

HGRO has an expense ratio of 0.70% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HGRO or SCHD?

Over the past year HGRO returned +17.32% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HGRO annualized +19.89% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HGRO or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.8% for HGRO. Worst drawdown: HGRO -7.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both HGRO and SCHD?

HGRO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HGRO and SCHD?

HGRO and SCHD share 3 common holdings with a 4.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 145 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HGRO or SCHD?

HGRO yields 0.07% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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