HPF vs SCHD
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HPF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.82% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $355M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.77% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 169 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +4.13% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.11% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.03% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.75% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2002 | Oct 20, 2011 |
HPF vs SCHD Performance
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund II (HPF) is a ETF from John Hancock Investment Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year HPF returned +8.11% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, HPF is up 4.13% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, HPF compounded at +10.03% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +1.75% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +0.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HPF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -74.3% for HPF 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HPF charges 1.82% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $182 vs $6 annually, a gap of $176 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HPF currently yields 9.77% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HPF or SCHD?
HPF has an expense ratio of 1.82% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $176 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HPF or SCHD?
Over the past year HPF returned +8.11% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), HPF annualized +0.10% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HPF or SCHD?
HPF has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: HPF -74.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both HPF and SCHD?
HPF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HPF and SCHD?
HPF and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 149 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HPF or SCHD?
HPF yields 9.77% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so HPF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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