PCHI vs SCHD
Polen High Income ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PCHI offers more diversification with 102 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PCHI | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $22M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.98% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 136 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.27% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.25% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Polen Capital | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PCHI vs SCHD Performance
Polen High Income ETF (PCHI) 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 PCHI returned +3.25% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PCHI is up 1.27% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 3.3% for PCHI. 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 -6.4% for PCHI 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 0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PCHI charges 0.56% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $6 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCHI currently yields 7.98% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PCHI and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 202 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, PCHI or SCHD?
PCHI has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCHI or SCHD?
Over the past year PCHI returned +3.25% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCHI annualized +4.56% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCHI or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 3.3% for PCHI. Worst drawdown: PCHI -6.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PCHI and SCHD?
PCHI and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PCHI and SCHD?
PCHI and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 202 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCHI or SCHD?
PCHI yields 7.98% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PCHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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