PEXL vs SCHD
Pacer US Export Leaders ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. PEXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. PEXL offers more diversification with 101 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEXL | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $50M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.29% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +19.09% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.59% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.71% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.68% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PEXL vs SCHD Performance
Pacer US Export Leaders ETF (PEXL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PEXL returned +37.59% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PEXL is up 19.09% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, PEXL compounded at +18.71% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.68% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, PEXL has the edge at +14.49% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -36.9% for PEXL 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEXL charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEXL currently yields 0.29% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PEXL and SCHD share 6 holdings out of 195 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PEXL or SCHD?
PEXL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEXL or SCHD?
Over the past year PEXL returned +37.59% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so PEXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PEXL annualized +14.49% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEXL or SCHD?
PEXL has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PEXL -36.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PEXL and SCHD?
PEXL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PEXL and SCHD?
PEXL and SCHD share 6 common holdings with a 11.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 195 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEXL or SCHD?
PEXL yields 0.29% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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