PCN vs SCHD
PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund 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 | PCN | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $864M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.74% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 526 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.12% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.07% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.20% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.42% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | PIMCO (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 21, 2001 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PCN vs SCHD Performance
PIMCO Corporate & Income Strategy Fund (PCN) is a ETF from PIMCO (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PCN returned +4.07% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, PCN is down 0.12% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, PCN compounded at +5.20% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +0.42% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +1.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PCN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.7% 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 -66.7% for PCN 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
PCN charges 0.88% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $6 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCN currently yields 11.74% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PCN and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 122 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PCN | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GVMXX | 0.06% | 0.04% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PCN or SCHD?
PCN has an expense ratio of 0.88% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PCN or SCHD?
Over the past year PCN returned +4.07% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PCN annualized +1.29% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PCN or SCHD?
PCN has been the more volatile fund at 21.7% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PCN -66.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PCN and SCHD?
PCN 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 PCN and SCHD?
PCN and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 122 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PCN or SCHD?
PCN yields 11.74% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PCN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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