PIEQ vs SCHD
Principal International Equity 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 | PIEQ | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.19% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +9.92% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.40% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.2% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 6, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PIEQ vs SCHD Performance
Principal International Equity ETF (PIEQ) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PIEQ returned +23.40% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, PIEQ is up 9.92% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 9.9% for PIEQ. 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 -15.2% for PIEQ 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PIEQ charges 0.48% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $6 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PIEQ currently yields 1.19% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PIEQ and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 138 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PIEQ | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GVMXX | 1.63% | 0.04% | 1.59% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PIEQ or SCHD?
PIEQ has an expense ratio of 0.48% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PIEQ or SCHD?
Over the past year PIEQ returned +23.40% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PIEQ annualized +24.93% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PIEQ or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 9.9% for PIEQ. Worst drawdown: PIEQ -15.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PIEQ and SCHD?
PIEQ and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PIEQ and SCHD?
PIEQ and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 138 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PIEQ or SCHD?
PIEQ yields 1.19% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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