SCHD vs YGLD
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF vs Simplify Gold Strategy 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 | YGLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.53% | |
| AUM | $108.7B | $39M | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 22.33% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +26.50% | -10.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.25% | +22.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.34% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.10% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 35.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.4% | -43.4% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2011 | Dec 2, 2024 |
SCHD vs YGLD Performance
Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Simplify Gold Strategy ETF (YGLD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.25% while YGLD returned +22.93%. Year to date, SCHD is up 26.50% versus a loss of 10.56% for YGLD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YGLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.9% 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 -43.4% for YGLD. 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 0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCHD charges 0.06% per year while YGLD charges 0.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $53 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.13% against 22.33% for YGLD.
Holdings Overlap
SCHD and YGLD share 0 holdings out of 101 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 YGLD?
SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while YGLD charges 0.53%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCHD or YGLD?
Over the past year SCHD returned +31.25% vs +22.93% for YGLD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCHD annualized +11.50% vs +36.30% for YGLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCHD or YGLD?
YGLD has been the more volatile fund at 35.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs YGLD -43.4%.
Should I hold both SCHD and YGLD?
SCHD and YGLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and YGLD?
SCHD and YGLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or YGLD?
SCHD yields 3.13% while YGLD yields 22.33%, so YGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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