Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PCL offers more diversification with 124 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: PCL

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPCLSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.06%
AUM$74M$103.7B
Dividend Yield5.76%3.31%
Holdings168104
YTD Return-4.54%+24.26%
1Y Return-3.14%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)7.8%13.6%
Max Drawdown-9.0%-33.4%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 29, 2025Oct 20, 2011

PCL vs SCHD Performance

PGIM Corporate Bond 10+ Year ETF (PCL) 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 PCL returned -3.14% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PCL is down 4.54% 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 7.8% for PCL. 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 -9.0% for PCL 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PCL charges 0.25% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $6 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCL currently yields 5.76% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PCL and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 224 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, PCL or SCHD?

PCL has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PCL or SCHD?

Over the past year PCL returned -3.14% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCL annualized -2.91% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PCL or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.8% for PCL. Worst drawdown: PCL -9.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both PCL and SCHD?

PCL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PCL and SCHD?

PCL and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 224 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PCL or SCHD?

PCL yields 5.76% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PCL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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