NUEM vs SCHD
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. NUEM offers more diversification with 166 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUEM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $367M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.07% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 181 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +14.53% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.05% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.00% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.02% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NUEM vs SCHD Performance
Nuveen ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (NUEM) is a ETF from Nuveen and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NUEM returned +27.05% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, NUEM is up 14.53% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, NUEM compounded at +18.00% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.02% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +7.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -39.5% for NUEM 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUEM charges 0.36% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $6 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUEM currently yields 3.07% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NUEM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 266 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, NUEM or SCHD?
NUEM has an expense ratio of 0.36% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUEM or SCHD?
Over the past year NUEM returned +27.05% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), NUEM annualized +7.79% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUEM or SCHD?
NUEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: NUEM -39.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NUEM and SCHD?
NUEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUEM and SCHD?
NUEM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 266 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUEM or SCHD?
NUEM yields 3.07% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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