IGLD vs SCHD
FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGLD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $547M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 21.43% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -8.35% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.44% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.59% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.05% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
IGLD vs SCHD Performance
FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year IGLD returned +12.44% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, IGLD is down 8.35% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, IGLD compounded at +19.59% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.05% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +11.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% 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 -28.1% for IGLD 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGLD charges 0.85% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $6 annually, a gap of $79 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGLD currently yields 21.43% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGLD or SCHD?
IGLD has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $79 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGLD or SCHD?
Over the past year IGLD returned +12.44% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IGLD annualized +11.40% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGLD or SCHD?
IGLD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: IGLD -28.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both IGLD and SCHD?
IGLD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGLD or SCHD?
IGLD yields 21.43% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so IGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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