PFD vs SCHD
PFD vs SCHD
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Fund Inc vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PFD offers more diversification with 180 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PFD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $159M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.46% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 245 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -0.14% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.86% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.33% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.88% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 1991 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PFD vs SCHD Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Income Fund Inc (PFD) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PFD returned +6.86% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PFD is down 0.14% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, PFD compounded at +11.33% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -0.88% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +0.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PFD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -85.8% for PFD 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
PFD and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 280 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, PFD or SCHD?
Over the past year PFD returned +6.86% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PFD annualized +0.62% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFD or SCHD?
PFD has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PFD -85.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PFD and SCHD?
PFD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFD and SCHD?
PFD and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 280 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFD or SCHD?
PFD yields 6.46% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PFD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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