PMMF vs SCHD
iShares Prime Money Market 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 | PMMF | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $663M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.03% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 248 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +2.13% | +25.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.79% | +32.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Money Market | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2025 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PMMF vs SCHD Performance
iShares Prime Money Market ETF (PMMF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PMMF returned +3.79% while SCHD returned +32.62%. Year to date, PMMF is up 2.13% 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 0.7% for PMMF. 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 -0.3% for PMMF 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 -0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMMF charges 0.20% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $6 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMMF currently yields 4.03% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PMMF and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 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, PMMF or SCHD?
PMMF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PMMF or SCHD?
Over the past year PMMF returned +3.79% vs +32.62% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PMMF annualized +3.99% vs +11.47% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMMF or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 0.7% for PMMF. Worst drawdown: PMMF -0.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PMMF and SCHD?
PMMF and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PMMF and SCHD?
PMMF and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PMMF or SCHD?
PMMF yields 4.03% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PMMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.