Updated Reviewed quarterly
SCHG vs USG: ETF Comparison
SCHG · Schwab
TER 0.04% · Yield —
USG · Smartshares
TER 0.51% · Yield 0.0%
USG is a NZX-listed PIE fund (capped at 28% PIR, FIF-exempt). SCHG is US-listed and triggers FIF tax once your overseas-share holdings exceed NZ$50,000 cost-basis, plus 15% US withholding tax on dividends. The trade-off is headline TER (SCHG often cheaper) vs NZ tax simplicity (USG cleaner).
In 30 seconds: SCHG (Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF, Schwab) trades on the NYSE Arca at 0.04% TER. USG (Smartshares US Growth ETF, Smartshares) trades on the NZX at 0.51% TER. USG is a NZX-listed PIE fund (capped at 28% PIR, FIF-exempt). SCHG is US-listed and triggers FIF tax once your overseas-share holdings exceed NZ$50,000 cost-basis, plus 15% US withholding tax on dividends. The trade-off is headline TER (SCHG often cheaper) vs NZ tax simplicity (USG cleaner).
- SCHG: Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF — 0.04% TER, FIF above NZ$50K
- USG: Smartshares US Growth ETF — 0.51% TER, PIE (max 28% PIR)
- SCHG yield: not currently published
- USG yield: 0.0% (None)
- Cheaper TER: SCHG
Head-to-head comparison
| Feature | SCHG | USG |
|---|---|---|
| Fund | Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF | Smartshares US Growth ETF |
| Issuer | Schwab | Smartshares |
| Exchange | NYSE Arca | NZX |
| Total expense ratio | 0.04% | 0.51% |
| Dividend yield (TTM) | — | 0.0% |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | None |
| NZ tax wrapper | FIF above NZ$50K | PIE (max 28% PIR) |
Where to buy
SCHG trades on the NYSE Arca — buy via Hatch, Stake, Sharesies, Tiger and Interactive Brokers. USG trades on the NZX — buy via any NZX broker (Sharesies, InvestNow, Invest Direct, ASB Securities). See all 11 NZ investment platforms compared.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SCHG and USG?▾
SCHG (Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF) charges 0.04% TER vs USG (Smartshares US Growth ETF) at 0.51%. SCHG is from Schwab; USG is from Smartshares. USG is a NZX-listed PIE fund (capped at 28% PIR, FIF-exempt). SCHG is US-listed and triggers FIF tax once your overseas-share holdings exceed NZ$50,000 cost-basis, plus 15% US withholding tax on dividends. The trade-off is headline TER (SCHG often cheaper) vs NZ tax simplicity (USG cleaner).
Which has the lower fee, SCHG or USG?▾
SCHG is cheaper at 0.04% TER vs USG at 0.51% — a gap of 0.47 percentage points. Over 30 years on a NZ$50,000 portfolio at 7% pre-fee return, that fee gap compounds to roughly NZ47,088 of foregone wealth.
Which yields more, SCHG or USG?▾
Yield data for at least one fund is not currently published — check the issuer fact sheet for the latest trailing 12-month yield. Headline yield is gross; after-tax outcome depends on your tax wrapper (FIF above NZ$50K for SCHG, PIE (max 28% PIR) for USG).
Can NZ residents buy both SCHG and USG?▾
Yes. SCHG is available via Hatch, Stake, Sharesies, Tiger and Interactive Brokers. USG is available via any NZX broker (Sharesies, InvestNow, Invest Direct, ASB Securities).
How does NZ tax differ between SCHG and USG?▾
SCHG is FIF above NZ$50K. USG is PIE (max 28% PIR). The PIE-wrapped fund is simpler — no FIF return, no US withholding, capped at 28% PIR. See /tax/pie-vs-fif/ for the full mechanics.
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