PHO vs SCHD
Invesco Water Resources 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 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.58% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +1.90% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.32% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2005 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PHO vs SCHD Performance
Invesco Water Resources ETF (PHO) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PHO returned -0.32% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, PHO is up 1.90% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, PHO compounded at +8.84% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.86% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +7.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -55.8% for PHO 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHO charges 0.59% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $6 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHO currently yields 0.58% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PHO and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 141 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, PHO or SCHD?
PHO has an expense ratio of 0.59% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHO or SCHD?
Over the past year PHO returned -0.32% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PHO annualized +7.85% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHO or SCHD?
PHO has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PHO -55.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PHO and SCHD?
PHO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PHO and SCHD?
PHO and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 141 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHO or SCHD?
PHO yields 0.58% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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