SCHD vs SGDJ
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SGDJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SGDJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $341M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 9.55% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 31 | |
| YTD Return | +28.63% | +16.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.53% | +106.29% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.97% | +63.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.47% | +26.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 40.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -59.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Sprott ETFS | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Mar 31, 2015 |
SCHD vs SGDJ Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.53% while SGDJ returned +106.29%. Year to date, SCHD is up 28.63% versus a gain of 16.64% for SGDJ.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.97% per year against +63.65% for SGDJ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.47% and +26.05% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SGDJ has the edge at +16.09% annualized vs +11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGDJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.8% compared with 13.7% 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -59.3% for SGDJ. 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SGDJ charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $50 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 9.55% for SGDJ.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SGDJ share 0 holdings out of 130 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, SCHD or SGDJ?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SGDJ charges 0.50%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SGDJ?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.53% vs +106.29% for SGDJ, so SGDJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SCHD annualized +11.63% vs +16.09% for SGDJ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SGDJ?
SGDJ has been the more volatile fund at 40.8% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SGDJ -59.3%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SGDJ?
SCHD and SGDJ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SGDJ?
SCHD and SGDJ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 130 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SGDJ?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SGDJ yields 9.55%, so SGDJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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