SCHD vs WUGI
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs AXS Esoterica NextG Economy ETF
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 | WUGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.25% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +25.69% | +22.17% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.41% | +4.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.03% | +27.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.64% | +10.66% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 29.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -56.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | AXS Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Mar 31, 2020 |
SCHD vs WUGI Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and AXS Esoterica NextG Economy ETF (WUGI) is a ETF from AXS Investments. Over the past year SCHD returned +30.41% while WUGI returned +4.06%. Year to date, SCHD is up 25.69% versus a gain of 22.17% for WUGI.
Over three years, SCHD compounded at +16.03% per year against +27.49% for WUGI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.64% and +10.66% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, WUGI has the edge at +22.20% annualized vs +11.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WUGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.0% 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 -56.4% for WUGI. 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 WUGI charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $79 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 0.25% for WUGI.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and WUGI share 0 holdings out of 129 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 WUGI?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while WUGI charges 0.79%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or WUGI?
Over the past year SCHD returned +30.41% vs +4.06% for WUGI, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SCHD annualized +11.46% vs +22.20% for WUGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or WUGI?
WUGI has been the more volatile fund at 29.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs WUGI -56.4%.
Should I hold both SCHD and WUGI?
SCHD and WUGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and WUGI?
SCHD and WUGI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 129 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or WUGI?
SCHD yields 3.13% while WUGI yields 0.25%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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