SCHD vs UNL
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SCHD | UNL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 1.65% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +26.50% | -18.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.25% | -23.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.34% | -19.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.10% | -11.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 30.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -89.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Nov 18, 2009 |
SCHD vs UNL Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and United States 12 Month Natural Gas Fund (UNL) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.25% while UNL returned -23.23%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.50% versus a loss of 18.02% for UNL.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.34% per year against -19.98% for UNL; over five years the annualized figures are +10.10% and -11.36% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs -11.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UNL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.8% 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 -89.8% for UNL. 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
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while UNL charges 1.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $165 annually, a gap of $159 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 0.00% for UNL.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and UNL 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 UNL?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while UNL charges 1.65%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $159 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or UNL?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.25% vs -23.23% for UNL, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs -11.78% for UNL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or UNL?
UNL has been the more volatile fund at 30.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs UNL -89.8%.
Should I hold both SCHD and UNL?
SCHD and UNL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and UNL?
SCHD and UNL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 102 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or UNL?
SCHD yields 3.13% while UNL yields 0.00%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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