SCHD vs USG
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund
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 | USG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $103.7B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 29.92% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | -1.09% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.38% | +20.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.08% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.72% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -24.9% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | USCF Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Nov 8, 2021 |
SCHD vs USG Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and USCF Gold Strategy Plus Income Fund (USG) is a ETF from USCF Investments. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while USG returned +20.19%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a loss of 1.09% for USG.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +15.08% per year against +26.07% for USG. Across the full 5-year window we track, USG has the edge at +17.19% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -24.9% for USG. 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while USG charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $45 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 29.92% for USG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCHD or USG?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while USG charges 0.45%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or USG?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +20.19% for USG, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +17.19% for USG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or USG?
USG has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs USG -24.9%.
Should I hold both SCHD and USG?
SCHD and USG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or USG?
SCHD yields 3.31% while USG yields 29.92%, so USG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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