NIKL vs SCHD
Sprott Nickel Miners 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 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NIKL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $51M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.11% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -13.66% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.13% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.58% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NIKL vs SCHD Performance
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NIKL returned +18.13% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, NIKL is down 13.66% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, NIKL compounded at -2.58% per year against +15.58% for SCHD. Across the full 3-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs -2.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIKL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.7% 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 -59.0% for NIKL 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIKL 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, NIKL currently yields 3.11% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NIKL and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 126 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, NIKL or SCHD?
NIKL 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, NIKL or SCHD?
Over the past year NIKL returned +18.13% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NIKL annualized -2.73% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIKL or SCHD?
NIKL has been the more volatile fund at 32.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: NIKL -59.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NIKL and SCHD?
NIKL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIKL and SCHD?
NIKL and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 126 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIKL or SCHD?
NIKL yields 3.11% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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