JCE vs SCHD
JCE vs SCHD
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. JCE offers more diversification with 117 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JCE | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | - | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.72% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 128 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +12.59% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.94% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.38% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.77% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
JCE vs SCHD Performance
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund (JCE) is a ETF from Nuveen and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year JCE returned +19.94% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, JCE is up 12.59% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, JCE compounded at +19.38% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.77% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JCE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -64.9% for JCE 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JCE charges 1.02% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $6 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JCE currently yields 7.72% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
JCE and SCHD share 10 holdings out of 207 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in JCE | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 1.12% | 4.32% | 3.20% |
| PG | 1.14% | 4.15% | 3.01% |
| HD | 1.07% | 4.16% | 3.09% |
| BMY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| QCOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DINO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FNF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SWKS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings JCE shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JCE or SCHD?
JCE has an expense ratio of 1.02% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JCE or SCHD?
Over the past year JCE returned +19.94% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), JCE annualized +2.22% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JCE or SCHD?
JCE has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: JCE -64.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both JCE and SCHD?
JCE and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JCE and SCHD?
JCE and SCHD share 10 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 207 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JCE or SCHD?
JCE yields 7.72% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so JCE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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