GLD vs SCHD
SPDR Gold Shares vs Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to gold securities. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.40%. Launched in 2004, the fund has a 22-year track record.
Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Schwab that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.06%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.46%. Launched in 2011, the fund has a 15-year track record.
Quick Verdict
SCHD is significantly cheaper at 0.06% vs 0.40% expense ratio, saving you approximately $667 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, GLD has significantly outperformed with a 52.3% return vs 9.5%. Income investors may prefer SCHD for its higher yield (3.5% vs 0.0%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Top Holdings
SCHD Top Holdings
| Name | Weight |
|---|---|
| Chevron CorporationCVX | 4.66% |
| ConocoPhillipsCOP | 4.33% |
| Merck & Co., Inc.MRK | 4.08% |
| Verizon Communications Inc.VZ | 4.03% |
| The Coca-Cola CompanyKO | 3.98% |
| Texas Instruments IncorporatedTXN | 3.86% |
| PepsiCo, Inc.PEP | 3.83% |
| Amgen Inc.AMGN | 3.78% |
| Abbott LaboratoriesABT | 3.78% |
| The Procter & Gamble CompanyPG | 3.70% |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose SCHD if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose GLD if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose SCHD if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.