SCHD vs SGDM
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Sprott Gold Miners ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SGDM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | SGDM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.46% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $653M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 1.18% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 50 | |
| YTD Return | +26.50% | +6.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.25% | +50.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.34% | +47.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.10% | +24.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 37.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -55.0% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Sprott ETFS | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Jul 14, 2014 |
SCHD vs SGDM Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.25% while SGDM returned +50.51%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.50% versus a gain of 6.66% for SGDM.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.34% per year against +47.96% for SGDM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.10% and +24.34% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +10.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGDM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.7% 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 -33.4% for SCHD and -55.0% for SGDM. 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while SGDM charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $46 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 1.18% for SGDM.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and SGDM share 0 holdings out of 149 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 SGDM?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while SGDM charges 0.46%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or SGDM?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.25% vs +50.51% for SGDM, so SGDM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs +10.46% for SGDM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or SGDM?
SGDM has been the more volatile fund at 37.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs SGDM -55.0%.
Should I hold both SCHD and SGDM?
SCHD and SGDM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and SGDM?
SCHD and SGDM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 149 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or SGDM?
SCHD yields 3.13% while SGDM yields 1.18%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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