PCS vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PCS offers more diversification with 184 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: PCS

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPCSSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.20%0.06%
AUM$618M$103.7B
Dividend Yield4.38%3.31%
Holdings277104
YTD Return-0.51%+24.26%
1Y Return+1.60%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)1.7%13.6%
Max Drawdown-1.7%-33.4%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJul 29, 2025Oct 20, 2011

PCS vs SCHD Performance

PGIM Corporate Bond 0-5 Year ETF (PCS) 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 PCS returned +1.60% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PCS is down 0.51% 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 1.7% for PCS. 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 -1.7% for PCS 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PCS charges 0.20% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PCS currently yields 4.38% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PCS and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 284 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, PCS or SCHD?

PCS has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PCS or SCHD?

Over the past year PCS returned +1.60% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PCS annualized +1.66% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PCS or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 1.7% for PCS. Worst drawdown: PCS -1.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both PCS and SCHD?

PCS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PCS and SCHD?

PCS and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 284 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PCS or SCHD?

PCS yields 4.38% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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