CGDG vs. SCHD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CGDG (Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF) and SCHD (Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CGDG is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Capital Group, while SCHD is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index. CGDG is actively managed, while SCHD is passively managed. Over the past year, CGDG returned 14.92% vs 24.56% for SCHD. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. CGDG charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.06%/yr for SCHD.

Performance

CGDG vs. SCHD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGDG achieves a 5.07% return, which is significantly lower than SCHD's 17.72% return.

CGDG

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: -0.53%
• YTD: 5.07%
• 6M: 4.67%
• 1Y: 14.92%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCHD

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: -2.47%
• YTD: 17.72%
• 6M: 17.25%
• 1Y: 24.56%
• 3Y*: 14.60%
• 5Y*: 8.71%
• 10Y*: 12.72%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CGDG vs. SCHD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CGDG Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF	5.07%	22.74%	11.52%	10.17%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	17.72%	4.34%	11.66%	8.88%

Correlation

The correlation between CGDG and SCHD is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2023	0.70

The correlation between CGDG and SCHD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.70 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGDG vs. SCHD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGDG	SCHD
Financial Services	20.0%	9.1%
Technology	14.0%	19.4%
Industrials	11.9%	7.4%
Healthcare	10.7%	18.4%
Consumer Defensive	9.9%	18.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	6.7%
Utilities	7.8%	0.0%
Energy	6.7%	14.6%
Basic Materials	5.0%	1.2%
Real Estate	3.3%	-
Communication Services	2.0%	6.0%

Return for Risk

CGDG vs. SCHD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CGDG

CGDG Risk / Return Rank: 41
CGDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
CGDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
CGDG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
CGDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
CGDG Martin Ratio Rank: 46

SCHD

SCHD Risk / Return Rank: 77
SCHD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
SCHD Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
SCHD Omega Ratio Rank: 70
SCHD Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
SCHD Martin Ratio Rank: 71

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CGDG vs. SCHD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CGDG	SCHD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	2.23	-0.84
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.97	3.40	-1.43
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.40	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.94	5.35	-3.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.45	12.94	-5.48

CGDG vs. SCHD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is lower than the SCHD Sharpe Ratio of 2.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGDG and SCHD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CGDG vs. SCHD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGDG drawdown since its inception was -10.52%, smaller than the maximum SCHD drawdown of -33.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGDG and SCHD.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGDG	SCHD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.52%	-33.37%	+22.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.72%	-4.61%	-3.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.13%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.85%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.43%	-2.47%	+1.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.31%	-3.31%	+2.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.01%	1.90%	+0.11%

Volatility

CGDG vs. SCHD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) is 2.95%, while Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has a volatility of 3.58%. This indicates that CGDG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SCHD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGDG	SCHD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.95%	3.58%	-0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.50%	7.73%	+0.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.84%	11.07%	-0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.15%	14.36%	-2.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.15%	16.71%	-4.56%

CGDG vs. SCHD - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGDG has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHD's 0.06% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGDG vs. SCHD - Dividend Comparison

CGDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.88%, less than SCHD's 3.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGDG Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF	1.88%	1.95%	2.15%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHD Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF	3.30%	3.82%	3.64%	3.49%	3.39%	2.78%	3.16%	2.98%	3.06%	2.63%	2.89%	2.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGDG and SCHD in my portfolio?

CGDG and SCHD have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CGDG or SCHD?

SCHD has higher volatility (3.58%) compared to CGDG (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGDG dropped -10.52% vs SCHD's -33.37%.

Which ETF is better, CGDG or SCHD?

On 1-year performance, SCHD leads with 24.56% vs 14.92% for CGDG. On fees, SCHD is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, CGDG has been the lower-risk option at 2.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGDG or SCHD?

Over the 1-year period, SCHD has performed better with a 24.56% return vs 14.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGDG or SCHD?

SCHD is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for CGDG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CGDG or SCHD?

SCHD has the higher dividend yield at 3.30%, compared with 1.88% for CGDG.

What is the main difference between CGDG and SCHD?

CGDG is categorized as Global Equities, while SCHD is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for CGDG and 0.06% for SCHD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.23 vs 1.39), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.