SCHD vs UGA

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. UGA delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: UGAMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDUGAWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%1.08%
AUM$103.7B$144M
Dividend Yield3.31%0.00%
Holdings1045
YTD Return+24.26%+82.25%
1Y Return+31.38%+81.17%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%+15.99%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%+25.33%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%36.8%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-86.6%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementUSCF Investments
CategoryEquityCommodity
InceptionOct 20, 2011Feb 26, 2008

SCHD vs UGA Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and United States Gasoline Fund LP (UGA) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while UGA returned +81.17%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 82.25% for UGA.

Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +15.99% for UGA; over five years the annualized figures are +9.72% and +25.33% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +4.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

UGA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.8% 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 -86.6% for UGA. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while UGA charges 1.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $108 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for UGA.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SCHD and UGA share 0 holdings out of 102 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 UGA?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while UGA charges 1.08%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or UGA?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +81.17% for UGA, so UGA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +4.54% for UGA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or UGA?

UGA has been the more volatile fund at 36.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs UGA -86.6%.

Should I hold both SCHD and UGA?

SCHD and UGA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and UGA?

SCHD and UGA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 102 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or UGA?

SCHD yields 3.31% while UGA yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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