PFFD vs SCHD
Global X US Preferred ETF 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 | PFFD | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.43% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 228 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.31% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.40% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.00% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.71% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PFFD vs SCHD Performance
Global X US Preferred ETF (PFFD) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PFFD returned +3.40% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PFFD is up 0.31% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, PFFD compounded at +5.00% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -0.71% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +0.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 10.6% for PFFD. 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 -31.3% for PFFD 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PFFD charges 0.23% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $6 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PFFD currently yields 6.43% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PFFD or SCHD?
PFFD has an expense ratio of 0.23% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PFFD or SCHD?
Over the past year PFFD returned +3.40% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PFFD annualized +0.24% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PFFD or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.6% for PFFD. Worst drawdown: PFFD -31.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PFFD and SCHD?
PFFD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PFFD and SCHD?
PFFD and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 158 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PFFD or SCHD?
PFFD yields 6.43% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PFFD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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