SCHV vs. OUNZ

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

SCHV (Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Value ETF) and OUNZ (VanEck Merk Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - SCHV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Value Total Stock Market Index, while OUNZ is a Precious Metals fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SCHV returned 11.38%/yr vs 12.64%/yr for OUNZ. At a 0.02 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SCHV charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for OUNZ.

Performance

SCHV vs. OUNZ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Value ETF (SCHV) and VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SCHV achieves a 14.24% return, which is significantly higher than OUNZ's 0.29% return. Over the past 10 years, SCHV has underperformed OUNZ with an annualized return of 11.38%, while OUNZ has yielded a comparatively higher 12.64% annualized return.

SCHV

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: 3.06%
• YTD: 14.24%
• 6M: 15.31%
• 1Y: 26.78%
• 3Y*: 18.05%
• 5Y*: 10.33%
• 10Y*: 11.38%

OUNZ

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -8.43%
• YTD: 0.29%
• 6M: 3.12%
• 1Y: 30.33%
• 3Y*: 29.90%
• 5Y*: 17.72%
• 10Y*: 12.64%

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

SCHV vs. OUNZ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SCHV Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Value ETF	14.24%	16.02%	14.13%	8.93%	-7.65%	25.58%	2.64%	25.92%	-7.30%	16.56%
OUNZ VanEck Merk Gold Trust	0.29%	63.95%	26.75%	12.83%	-0.51%	-4.00%	24.71%	18.00%	-2.06%	12.82%

Correlation

The correlation between SCHV and OUNZ is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.18
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.14
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.05
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 19, 2014	0.02

Over the past year, SCHV and OUNZ have become more correlated (0.23) than their long-term average of 0.02, meaning their price movements have been converging.

SCHV vs. OUNZ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SCHV	OUNZ
Financial Services	19.6%	-
Technology	18.2%	-
Industrials	14.0%	-
Healthcare	11.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	8.8%	-
Energy	7.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.9%	-
Utilities	4.6%	-
Real Estate	4.1%	100.0%
Basic Materials	2.8%	-
Communication Services	2.5%	-

Return for Risk

SCHV vs. OUNZ — Risk / Return Rank

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

SCHV

SCHV Risk / Return Rank: 84
SCHV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
SCHV Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
SCHV Omega Ratio Rank: 82
SCHV Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
SCHV Martin Ratio Rank: 84

OUNZ

OUNZ Risk / Return Rank: 34
OUNZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
OUNZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
OUNZ Omega Ratio Rank: 39
OUNZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
OUNZ Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

SCHV vs. OUNZ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Value ETF (SCHV) and VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ). 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.

	SCHV	OUNZ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.50	1.14	+1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.51	1.53	+1.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.23	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.94	1.52	+2.42
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.87	3.82	+12.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SCHV vs. OUNZ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SCHV Sharpe Ratio is 2.50, which is higher than the OUNZ Sharpe Ratio of 1.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SCHV and OUNZ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SCHV	OUNZ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.50	1.14	+1.35
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.99	-0.28
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67	0.79	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.71	0.64	+0.07

Drawdowns

SCHV vs. OUNZ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SCHV drawdown since its inception was -37.08%, which is greater than OUNZ's maximum drawdown of -21.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SCHV and OUNZ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SCHV	OUNZ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.08%	-21.77%	-15.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.83%	-20.00%	+13.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.26%	-20.00%	+4.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.78%	-21.01%	+1.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.08%	-21.76%	-15.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.49%	-19.83%	+18.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.83%	-7.58%	+3.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.69%	7.96%	-6.27%

Volatility

SCHV vs. OUNZ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Value ETF (SCHV) is 3.33%, while VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ) has a volatility of 5.67%. This indicates that SCHV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than OUNZ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SCHV	OUNZ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.33%	5.67%	-2.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.37%	23.29%	-14.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.80%	26.66%	-15.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.53%	17.99%	-3.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.95%	16.00%	+0.95%

SCHV vs. OUNZ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SCHV has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than OUNZ's 0.25% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SCHV vs. OUNZ - Dividend Comparison

SCHV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.78%, while OUNZ has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
OUNZ VanEck Merk Gold Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SCHV Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Value ETF	1.78%	2.02%	2.25%	2.42%	2.37%	1.93%	3.03%	3.02%	3.05%	2.37%	2.65%	2.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SCHV and OUNZ in my portfolio?

SCHV and OUNZ have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SCHV or OUNZ?

OUNZ has higher volatility (5.67%) compared to SCHV (3.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SCHV dropped -37.08% vs OUNZ's -21.77%.

Which ETF is better, SCHV or OUNZ?

On 10-year performance, OUNZ leads with 12.64% vs 11.38% for SCHV. On fees, SCHV is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, SCHV has been the lower-risk option at 3.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SCHV or OUNZ?

Over the 10-year period, OUNZ has performed better with a 12.64% return vs 11.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SCHV or OUNZ?

SCHV is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for OUNZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SCHV or OUNZ?

SCHV has the higher dividend yield at 1.78%, compared with 0.00% for OUNZ.

What is the main difference between SCHV and OUNZ?

SCHV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while OUNZ is Precious Metals. SCHV tracks Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Value Total Stock Market Index, while OUNZ tracks LBMA Gold Price PM ($/ozt). They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Merk. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for SCHV and 0.25% for OUNZ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.50 vs 1.14), 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.