NVG vs SCHD
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Credit Income Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. NVG offers more diversification with 354 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NVG | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.64% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | - | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.41% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 1,103 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +2.52% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.27% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.17% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.95% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2002 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NVG vs SCHD Performance
Nuveen AMT-Free Municipal Credit Income Fund (NVG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NVG returned +13.27% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, NVG is up 2.52% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, NVG compounded at +10.17% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -0.95% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +0.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 12.5% for NVG. 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 -47.8% for NVG 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NVG charges 3.64% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $364 vs $6 annually, a gap of $358 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NVG currently yields 7.41% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NVG and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 454 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, NVG or SCHD?
NVG has an expense ratio of 3.64% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $358 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NVG or SCHD?
Over the past year NVG returned +13.27% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), NVG annualized +0.59% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NVG or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.5% for NVG. Worst drawdown: NVG -47.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NVG and SCHD?
NVG and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NVG and SCHD?
NVG and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 454 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NVG or SCHD?
NVG yields 7.41% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so NVG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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