NELS vs. SCHX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

NELS (Nelson Select ETF) and SCHX (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. NELS is actively managed, while SCHX is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NELS charges 1.69%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for SCHX.

Performance

NELS vs. SCHX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Nelson Select ETF (NELS) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NELS achieves a 9.49% return, which is significantly higher than SCHX's 8.26% return.

NELS

• 1D: -2.87%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 9.49%
• 6M: 9.64%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SCHX

• 1D: -2.65%
• 1M: 0.55%
• YTD: 8.26%
• 6M: 7.86%
• 1Y: 25.11%
• 3Y*: 21.43%
• 5Y*: 12.78%
• 10Y*: 15.08%

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

NELS vs. SCHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NELS Nelson Select ETF	9.49%	2.42%
SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF	8.26%	2.43%

Correlation

The correlation between NELS and SCHX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 16, 2025	0.94

Return for Risk

NELS vs. SCHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHX

SCHX Risk / Return Rank: 62
SCHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
SCHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
SCHX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
SCHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
SCHX Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

NELS vs. SCHX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Nelson Select ETF (NELS) and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF (SCHX). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NELS	SCHX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.75	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.34	0.84	+0.50

Drawdowns

NELS vs. SCHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NELS drawdown since its inception was -9.30%, smaller than the maximum SCHX drawdown of -34.33%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NELS and SCHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	NELS	SCHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-9.30%	-34.33%	+25.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.02%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.04%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.41%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.88%	-2.91%	+0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.61%	-3.97%	+2.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.99%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NELS	SCHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.85%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	9.44%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.80%	12.29%	+2.51%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.80%	17.16%	-2.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.80%	18.16%	-3.36%

NELS vs. SCHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

NELS has a 1.69% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHX's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

NELS vs. SCHX - Dividend Comparison

NELS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SCHX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NELS Nelson Select ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHX Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF	1.03%	1.09%	1.22%	1.39%	1.64%	1.22%	1.64%	1.82%	2.02%	1.70%	1.92%	2.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NELS and SCHX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, NELS and SCHX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, NELS or SCHX?

On fees, SCHX is cheaper at 0.03% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NELS or SCHX?

SCHX is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 1.69% for NELS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NELS or SCHX?

SCHX has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.00% for NELS.

What is the main difference between NELS and SCHX?

They also come from different issuers: Nelson Capital Management and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 1.69% for NELS and 0.03% for SCHX.