HPS vs SCHD
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III 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 | HPS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.81% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $474M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.66% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 175 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +4.20% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.07% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.44% | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.64% | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.4% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | John Hancock Investment Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 18, 2003 | Oct 20, 2011 |
HPS vs SCHD Performance
John Hancock Preferred Income Fund III (HPS) 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 HPS returned +7.07% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, HPS is up 4.20% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.
Over three years, HPS compounded at +10.44% per year against +15.58% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.64% and +9.63% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs -0.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HPS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -77.7% for HPS 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HPS charges 1.81% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $181 vs $6 annually, a gap of $175 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HPS currently yields 9.66% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HPS or SCHD?
HPS has an expense ratio of 1.81% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $175 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HPS or SCHD?
Over the past year HPS returned +7.07% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), HPS annualized -0.40% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HPS or SCHD?
HPS has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: HPS -77.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both HPS and SCHD?
HPS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HPS and SCHD?
HPS and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 193 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HPS or SCHD?
HPS yields 9.66% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so HPS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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