JLS vs SCHD
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. JLS offers more diversification with 148 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JLS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.62% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | - | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.78% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 148 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.11% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.90% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.65% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 25, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
JLS vs SCHD Performance
Nuveen Mortgage and Income Fund (JLS) is a ETF from Nuveen and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year JLS returned +0.90% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, JLS is up 1.11% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, JLS compounded at +11.99% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.65% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +0.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.8% for JLS. 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 -51.2% for JLS 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JLS charges 1.62% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $162 vs $6 annually, a gap of $156 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JLS currently yields 9.78% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JLS or SCHD?
JLS has an expense ratio of 1.62% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $156 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JLS or SCHD?
Over the past year JLS returned +0.90% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), JLS annualized +0.55% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JLS or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.8% for JLS. Worst drawdown: JLS -51.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both JLS and SCHD?
JLS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, JLS or SCHD?
JLS yields 9.78% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so JLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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