GSST vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSST offers more diversification with 229 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: GSST

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGSSTSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.16%0.06%
AUM$1.6B$103.7B
Dividend Yield4.31%3.31%
Holdings413104
YTD Return-0.16%+23.53%
1Y Return+1.38%+30.95%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.43%+14.72%
5Y Return (annualized)+3.31%+9.56%
Volatility (annualized)1.4%13.6%
Max Drawdown-3.5%-33.4%
Fund FamilyGoldman Sachs Asset ManagementCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionApr 15, 2019Oct 20, 2011

GSST vs SCHD Performance

Goldman Sachs Ultra Short Bond ETF (GSST) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year GSST returned +1.38% while SCHD returned +30.95%. Year to date, GSST is down 0.16% versus a gain of 23.53% for SCHD.

Over three years, GSST compounded at +4.43% per year against +14.72% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +3.31% and +9.56% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.35% annualized vs +2.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 1.4% for GSST. 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 -3.5% for GSST and -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

GSST charges 0.16% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $6 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSST currently yields 4.31% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

GSST and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 329 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, GSST or SCHD?

GSST has an expense ratio of 0.16% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.

Which performed better, GSST or SCHD?

Over the past year GSST returned +1.38% vs +30.95% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), GSST annualized +2.89% vs +11.35% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, GSST or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 1.4% for GSST. Worst drawdown: GSST -3.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both GSST and SCHD?

GSST and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between GSST and SCHD?

GSST and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 329 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, GSST or SCHD?

GSST yields 4.31% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so GSST currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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