OUNZ vs SCHD
VanEck Merk Gold 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OUNZ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.26% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.18% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.33% | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.29% | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 16, 2014 | Oct 20, 2011 |
OUNZ vs SCHD Performance
VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ) is a ETF from VanEck and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year OUNZ returned +29.18% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, OUNZ is up 0.26% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Over three years, OUNZ compounded at +31.33% per year against +15.73% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +19.29% and +9.67% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +10.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -26.3% for OUNZ 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OUNZ charges 0.25% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $6 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OUNZ currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OUNZ or SCHD?
OUNZ has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OUNZ or SCHD?
Over the past year OUNZ returned +29.18% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), OUNZ annualized +10.05% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OUNZ or SCHD?
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: OUNZ -26.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both OUNZ and SCHD?
OUNZ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, OUNZ or SCHD?
OUNZ yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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