PBL vs SCHD
PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF 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 | PBL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $77M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.07% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.14% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.84% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PBL vs SCHD Performance
PGIM Portfolio Ballast ETF (PBL) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PBL returned +13.84% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PBL is up 10.14% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, PBL compounded at +13.43% per year against +15.08% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, PBL has the edge at +12.81% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 9.0% for PBL. 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 -11.8% for PBL 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBL charges 0.45% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $6 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBL currently yields 2.07% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PBL and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 107 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, PBL or SCHD?
PBL has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBL or SCHD?
Over the past year PBL returned +13.84% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PBL annualized +12.81% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBL or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 9.0% for PBL. Worst drawdown: PBL -11.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PBL and SCHD?
PBL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBL and SCHD?
PBL and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 107 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBL or SCHD?
PBL yields 2.07% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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