PQOC vs SCHD
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - October 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 | PQOC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $22M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +11.31% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.88% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PQOC vs SCHD Performance
PGIM Nasdaq-100 Buffer 12 ETF - October (PQOC) 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 PQOC returned +15.88% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, PQOC is up 11.31% 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 10.0% for PQOC. 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 -13.7% for PQOC 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PQOC 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, PQOC currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PQOC or SCHD?
PQOC 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, PQOC or SCHD?
Over the past year PQOC returned +15.88% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PQOC annualized +16.25% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PQOC or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 10.0% for PQOC. Worst drawdown: PQOC -13.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PQOC and SCHD?
PQOC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PQOC or SCHD?
PQOC 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.