NSI vs SCHD
National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. NSI offers more diversification with 105 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NSI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $42M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.39% | +28.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.59% | +32.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +10.47% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | National Security Index | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NSI vs SCHD Performance
National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) is a ETF from National Security Index and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NSI returned +27.59% while SCHD returned +32.53%. Year to date, NSI is up 10.39% versus a gain of 28.63% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 13.0% for NSI. 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 -16.6% for NSI 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSI 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, NSI currently yields 1.23% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NSI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 199 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, NSI or SCHD?
NSI 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, NSI or SCHD?
Over the past year NSI returned +27.59% vs +32.53% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NSI annualized +20.22% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 13.0% for NSI. Worst drawdown: NSI -16.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NSI and SCHD?
NSI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NSI and SCHD?
NSI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 199 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSI or SCHD?
NSI yields 1.23% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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