PMFB vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPMFBSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.06%
AUM$6M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings6104
YTD Return+3.55%+24.26%
1Y Return+7.06%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)2.5%13.6%
Max Drawdown-2.9%-33.4%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJan 31, 2025Oct 20, 2011

PMFB vs SCHD Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - February (PMFB) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PMFB returned +7.06% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PMFB is up 3.55% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 2.5% for PMFB. 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 -2.9% for PMFB 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PMFB charges 0.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $6 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMFB currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PMFB or SCHD?

PMFB has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PMFB or SCHD?

Over the past year PMFB returned +7.06% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PMFB annualized +6.63% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PMFB or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.5% for PMFB. Worst drawdown: PMFB -2.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both PMFB and SCHD?

PMFB and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, PMFB or SCHD?

PMFB yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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