HERD vs SCHD
Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. HERD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HERD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $98M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.89% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +18.06% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.14% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.15% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.25% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2019 | Oct 20, 2011 |
HERD vs SCHD Performance
Pacer Cash Cows Fund of Funds ETF (HERD) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year HERD returned +32.14% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, HERD is up 18.06% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, HERD compounded at +16.15% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.25% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, HERD has the edge at +13.48% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HERD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -39.4% for HERD and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HERD charges 0.74% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $6 annually, a gap of $68 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HERD currently yields 2.89% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
HERD and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 106 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HERD or SCHD?
HERD has an expense ratio of 0.74% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $68 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HERD or SCHD?
Over the past year HERD returned +32.14% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so HERD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HERD annualized +13.48% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HERD or SCHD?
HERD has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: HERD -39.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both HERD and SCHD?
HERD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HERD and SCHD?
HERD and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 106 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HERD or SCHD?
HERD yields 2.89% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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