NUSC vs SCHD
NUSC vs SCHD
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. NUSC offers more diversification with 433 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NUSC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 440 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +17.36% | +24.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.96% | +31.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.11% | +14.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.27% | +9.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
NUSC vs SCHD Performance
Nuveen ESG Small-Cap ETF (NUSC) is a ETF from Nuveen and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year NUSC returned +29.96% while SCHD returned +31.88%. Year to date, NUSC is up 17.36% versus a gain of 24.08% for SCHD.
Over three years, NUSC compounded at +13.11% per year against +14.92% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +6.27% and +9.85% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +10.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NUSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -41.5% for NUSC 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NUSC charges 0.31% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $6 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NUSC currently yields 0.90% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
NUSC and SCHD share 10 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NUSC | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| EWBC | 0.98% | 0.47% | 0.51% |
| RHI | 0.19% | 0.11% | 0.08% |
| M | 0.11% | 0.16% | 0.05% |
| FLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AGM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HAFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BANR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OXM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CPF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IBCP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings NUSC 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, NUSC or SCHD?
NUSC has an expense ratio of 0.31% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NUSC or SCHD?
Over the past year NUSC returned +29.96% vs +31.88% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), NUSC annualized +10.19% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NUSC or SCHD?
NUSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: NUSC -41.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both NUSC and SCHD?
NUSC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NUSC and SCHD?
NUSC and SCHD share 10 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NUSC or SCHD?
NUSC yields 0.90% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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