PHYS vs SCHD
PHYS vs SCHD
Sprott Physical Gold Trust 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 | PHYS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $15.0B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.78% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.04% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.00% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.12% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2010 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PHYS vs SCHD Performance
Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PHYS returned +26.04% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PHYS is down 0.78% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, PHYS compounded at +30.00% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +19.12% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +7.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHYS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -48.2% for PHYS 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHYS charges 0.40% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $6 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHYS currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHYS or SCHD?
PHYS has an expense ratio of 0.40% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHYS or SCHD?
Over the past year PHYS returned +26.04% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PHYS annualized +7.78% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHYS or SCHD?
PHYS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PHYS -48.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PHYS and SCHD?
PHYS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHYS or SCHD?
PHYS yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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