PQAP vs SCHD
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April 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 | PQAP | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $26M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +13.38% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.64% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.8% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PQAP vs SCHD Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - April (PQAP) 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 PQAP returned +17.64% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, PQAP is up 13.38% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 6.7% for PQAP. 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 -10.8% for PQAP 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PQAP 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, PQAP currently yields 0.02% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQAP or SCHD?
PQAP 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, PQAP or SCHD?
Over the past year PQAP returned +17.64% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQAP annualized +17.63% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQAP or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 6.7% for PQAP. Worst drawdown: PQAP -10.8% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PQAP and SCHD?
PQAP and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PQAP or SCHD?
PQAP yields 0.02% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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