NPCT vs SCHD
Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Which is better, NPCT or SCHD?
SCHD has been ahead.
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NPCT | SCHD |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.06%Best |
| AUM | - | $112.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 11.30% | 3.00% |
| Holdings | 131 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +2.48% | +24.04%Best |
| 1Y Return | -2.30% | +27.95%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.85% | +15.51%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.09% | +9.80%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 14.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -46.8% | -16.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $8,548 | $15,959Best |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Charles Schwab Asset Management |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | - | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Apr 27, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 28, 2021 to Sep 16, 2026 (5.4 years).
NPCT vs SCHD growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.4 years both funds cover.
NPCT vs SCHD Performance
Nuveen Core Plus Impact Fund (NPCT) is an ETF from Nuveen and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NPCT returned -2.30% while SCHD returned +27.95%. Year to date, NPCT is up 2.48% versus a gain of 24.04% for SCHD.
Over three years, NPCT compounded at +12.85% per year against +15.51% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -3.09% and +9.80% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NPCT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% compared with 14.5% 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 -46.8% for NPCT and -16.9% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.62. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NPCT charges 1.38% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $6 annually, a gap of $132 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NPCT currently yields 11.30% against 3.00% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 69 holdings in NPCT and 100 in SCHD, totalling 64.7% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 62 days apart, NPCT as of Jun 30, 2026 and SCHD as of Aug 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 69 positions we hold weights for in NPCT and 100 in SCHD, against full books of 131 and 103.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of NPCT and SCHD you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NPCT or SCHD?
NPCT has an expense ratio of 1.38% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option, by $132 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, NPCT or SCHD?
Over the past year NPCT returned -2.30% vs +27.95% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, NPCT or SCHD?
NPCT has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.5% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: NPCT -46.8% vs SCHD -16.9%.
Should I hold both NPCT and SCHD?
NPCT and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, NPCT or SCHD?
NPCT yields 11.30% while SCHD yields 3.00%, so NPCT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is SCHD better than NPCT?
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.