PMJL 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

MetricPMJLSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.06%
AUM$6M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings6104
YTD Return+4.03%+25.62%
1Y Return+6.65%+32.62%
3Y Return (annualized)-+15.58%
5Y Return (annualized)-+9.63%
Volatility (annualized)2.0%13.6%
Max Drawdown-1.5%-33.4%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 30, 2025Oct 20, 2011

PMJL vs SCHD Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Max Buffer ETF - July (PMJL) 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 PMJL returned +6.65% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, PMJL is up 4.03% versus a gain of 25.62% for SCHD.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 2.0% for PMJL. 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 -1.5% for PMJL 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PMJL 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, PMJL currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PMJL or SCHD?

PMJL 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, PMJL or SCHD?

Over the past year PMJL returned +6.65% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), PMJL annualized +6.79% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PMJL or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 2.0% for PMJL. Worst drawdown: PMJL -1.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both PMJL and SCHD?

PMJL and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, PMJL or SCHD?

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

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