PQJA vs SCHD
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January 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 | PQJA | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $29M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +10.05% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.75% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PQJA vs SCHD Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - January (PQJA) 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 PQJA returned +16.75% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, PQJA is up 10.05% 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 10.2% for PQJA. 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 -14.7% for PQJA 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
PQJA 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, PQJA currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQJA or SCHD?
PQJA 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, PQJA or SCHD?
Over the past year PQJA returned +16.75% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQJA annualized +16.98% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQJA or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.2% for PQJA. Worst drawdown: PQJA -14.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PQJA and SCHD?
PQJA 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, PQJA or SCHD?
PQJA yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD 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.