SCHD vs UNG
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs United States Natural Gas Fund LP
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 | SCHD | UNG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 1.17% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $461M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +25.62% | -16.50% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.62% | -22.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.58% | -30.63% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | -29.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 47.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -99.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Apr 18, 2007 |
SCHD vs UNG Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and United States Natural Gas Fund LP (UNG) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% while UNG returned -22.95%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.62% versus a loss of 16.50% for UNG.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.58% per year against -30.63% for UNG; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and -29.27% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs -28.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.0% 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 -99.9% for UNG. 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 0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while UNG charges 1.17%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $117 annually, a gap of $111 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 0.00% for UNG.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and UNG 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 UNG?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while UNG charges 1.17%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $111 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or UNG?
Over the past year SCHD returned +32.62% vs -22.95% for UNG, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.47% vs -28.46% for UNG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or UNG?
UNG has been the more volatile fund at 47.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs UNG -99.9%.
Should I hold both SCHD and UNG?
SCHD and UNG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and UNG?
SCHD and UNG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 102 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or UNG?
SCHD yields 3.31% while UNG yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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