NUGO vs SCHD
Nuveen Growth Opportunities 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 | NUGO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 48 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.44% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.66% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.20% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NUGO vs SCHD Performance
Nuveen Growth Opportunities ETF (NUGO) is a ETF from Nuveen and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NUGO returned +16.66% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, NUGO is up 10.44% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, NUGO compounded at +24.20% per year against +15.58% for SCHD. Across the full 5-year window we track, NUGO has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +11.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUGO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -38.0% for NUGO 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUGO charges 0.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $6 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUGO currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NUGO and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 144 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NUGO | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GVMXX | 0.15% | 0.04% | 0.11% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NUGO or SCHD?
NUGO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUGO or SCHD?
Over the past year NUGO returned +16.66% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NUGO annualized +13.10% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUGO or SCHD?
NUGO has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: NUGO -38.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NUGO and SCHD?
NUGO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUGO and SCHD?
NUGO and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 144 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUGO or SCHD?
NUGO yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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