PSC vs SCHD
PSC vs SCHD
Principal U.S. Small-Cap Multi-Factor ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. PSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. PSC offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.55% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 513 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +20.69% | +24.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.12% | +31.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.87% | +15.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.84% | +9.72% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 21, 2016 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PSC vs SCHD Performance
Principal U.S. Small-Cap Multi-Factor ETF (PSC) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PSC returned +33.12% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PSC is up 20.69% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.
Over three years, PSC compounded at +17.87% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.84% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, PSC has the edge at +11.49% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -47.9% for PSC 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSC charges 0.38% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $6 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSC currently yields 0.55% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PSC and SCHD share 13 holdings out of 596 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PSC | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KFY | 0.25% | 0.10% | 0.15% |
| GVMXX | 0.24% | 0.04% | 0.20% |
| BANR | 0.16% | 0.06% | 0.10% |
| OFG:PR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BKE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PFBC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IPAR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LANC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HAFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ORRF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PSC shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSC or SCHD?
PSC has an expense ratio of 0.38% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSC or SCHD?
Over the past year PSC returned +33.12% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so PSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PSC annualized +11.49% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSC or SCHD?
PSC has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PSC -47.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PSC and SCHD?
PSC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSC and SCHD?
PSC and SCHD share 13 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 596 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSC or SCHD?
PSC yields 0.55% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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