NULG vs SCHD
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth 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 | NULG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.7B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.10% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 66 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +19.67% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.31% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.55% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.04% | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NULG vs SCHD Performance
Nuveen ESG Large-Cap Growth ETF (NULG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NULG returned +20.31% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, NULG is up 19.67% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, NULG compounded at +23.55% per year against +15.55% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.04% and +9.61% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, NULG has the edge at +19.00% annualized vs +11.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NULG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.9% 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 -36.2% for NULG 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NULG charges 0.26% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $6 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NULG currently yields 0.10% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NULG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 169 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, NULG or SCHD?
NULG has an expense ratio of 0.26% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NULG or SCHD?
Over the past year NULG returned +20.31% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NULG annualized +19.00% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NULG or SCHD?
NULG has been the more volatile fund at 18.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: NULG -36.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NULG and SCHD?
NULG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NULG and SCHD?
NULG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 169 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NULG or SCHD?
NULG yields 0.10% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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