PCEM vs SCHD
Polen Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth 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 | PCEM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +4.05% | +26.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.55% | +29.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.73% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 10, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PCEM vs SCHD Performance
Polen Capital Emerging Markets ex-China Growth ETF (PCEM) is a ETF from Polen Capital and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PCEM returned +20.55% while SCHD returned +29.99%. Year to date, PCEM is up 4.05% versus a gain of 26.21% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PCEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -19.9% for PCEM 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCEM charges 1.00% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $6 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCEM currently yields 0.34% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PCEM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 135 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, PCEM or SCHD?
PCEM has an expense ratio of 1.00% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCEM or SCHD?
Over the past year PCEM returned +20.55% vs +29.99% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PCEM annualized +12.35% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCEM or SCHD?
PCEM has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PCEM -19.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PCEM and SCHD?
PCEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCEM and SCHD?
PCEM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 135 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCEM or SCHD?
PCEM yields 0.34% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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