LGH vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. LGH offers more diversification with 415 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: LGH

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLGHSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio1.00%0.06%
AUM$565M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.37%3.31%
Holdings417104
YTD Return+7.96%+24.26%
1Y Return+19.54%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.43%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.37%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)18.5%13.6%
Max Drawdown-29.6%-33.4%
Fund FamilyHoward Capital ManagementCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionOct 9, 2019Oct 20, 2011

LGH vs SCHD Performance

HCM Defender 500 Index ETF (LGH) is a ETF from Howard Capital Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year LGH returned +19.54% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, LGH is up 7.96% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, LGH compounded at +19.43% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +10.37% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, LGH has the edge at +15.81% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

LGH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -29.6% for LGH 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

LGH charges 1.00% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $6 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LGH currently yields 0.37% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

3.5%overlap

LGH and SCHD share 40 holdings out of 475 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in LGHWeight in SCHDDifference
UNH0.20%4.54%4.34%
ABT0.13%4.49%4.36%
MRK0.25%4.32%4.07%
PGProProPro
HDProProPro
AMGNProProPro
KOProProPro
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PEPProProPro
VZProProPro
See all 10 holdings LGH shares with SCHD
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, LGH or SCHD?

LGH has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.

Which performed better, LGH or SCHD?

Over the past year LGH returned +19.54% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), LGH annualized +15.81% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, LGH or SCHD?

LGH has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: LGH -29.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both LGH and SCHD?

LGH and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between LGH and SCHD?

LGH and SCHD share 40 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 475 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, LGH or SCHD?

LGH yields 0.37% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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