NIE vs SCHD
NIE vs SCHD
Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. NIE offers more diversification with 161 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NIE | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $797M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.66% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 196 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.56% | +23.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.22% | +30.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.37% | +14.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +9.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2007 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NIE vs SCHD Performance
Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NIE) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NIE returned +20.22% while SCHD returned +30.95%. Year to date, NIE is up 9.56% versus a gain of 23.53% for SCHD.
Over three years, NIE compounded at +17.37% per year against +14.72% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.58% and +9.56% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.35% annualized vs +3.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -63.8% for NIE 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIE charges 1.07% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $6 annually, a gap of $101 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIE currently yields 8.66% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NIE and SCHD share 5 holdings out of 256 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NIE | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 1.02% | 4.32% | 3.30% |
| KO | 0.95% | 4.08% | 3.13% |
| UNH | 0.35% | 4.54% | 4.19% |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SLB:CW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 5 holdings NIE 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, NIE or SCHD?
NIE has an expense ratio of 1.07% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $101 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIE or SCHD?
Over the past year NIE returned +20.22% vs +30.95% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), NIE annualized +3.57% vs +11.35% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIE or SCHD?
NIE has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: NIE -63.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NIE and SCHD?
NIE and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIE and SCHD?
NIE and SCHD share 5 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 256 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIE or SCHD?
NIE yields 8.66% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so NIE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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