PPH vs SCHD
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. PPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 104 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PPH | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $985M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.92% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +8.38% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.44% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.85% | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PPH vs SCHD Performance
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) is a ETF from VanEck and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, PPH is up 8.38% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Over three years, PPH compounded at +12.51% per year against +16.29% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.85% and +9.65% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +4.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PPH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% 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 -56.6% for PPH 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PPH charges 0.36% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $6 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPH currently yields 1.92% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PPH or SCHD?
PPH has an expense ratio of 0.36% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PPH or SCHD?
Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so PPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PPH annualized +4.13% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PPH or SCHD?
PPH has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PPH -56.6% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PPH and SCHD?
PPH and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PPH and SCHD?
PPH and SCHD share 2 common holdings with a 7.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 123 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PPH or SCHD?
PPH yields 1.92% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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