NOWL vs SCHD
GraniteShares 2x Long NOW Daily 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 | NOWL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $262M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -48.43% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | -65.43% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 122.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NOWL vs SCHD Performance
GraniteShares 2x Long NOW Daily ETF (NOWL) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NOWL returned -65.43% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, NOWL is down 48.43% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NOWL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 122.1% 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 -86.6% for NOWL 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 -0.16. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NOWL charges 1.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $6 annually, a gap of $144 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NOWL currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NOWL and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, NOWL or SCHD?
NOWL has an expense ratio of 1.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $144 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NOWL or SCHD?
Over the past year NOWL returned -65.43% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), NOWL annualized -70.17% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NOWL or SCHD?
NOWL has been the more volatile fund at 122.1% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: NOWL -86.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NOWL and SCHD?
NOWL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.16, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NOWL and SCHD?
NOWL and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NOWL or SCHD?
NOWL yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.