PSK vs SCHD
State Street SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PSK offers more diversification with 144 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSK | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $691M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.06% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 161 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -3.60% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.59% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.75% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.49% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2009 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PSK vs SCHD Performance
State Street SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF (PSK) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PSK returned -1.59% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, PSK is down 3.60% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, PSK compounded at +2.75% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are -1.49% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +0.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.6% compared with 8.9% for PSK. 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 -34.1% for PSK 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSK charges 0.45% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $6 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSK currently yields 7.06% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PSK and SCHD share 1 holdings out of 243 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 PSK | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| FITB | 0.59% | 1.35% | 0.76% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSK or SCHD?
PSK has an expense ratio of 0.45% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSK or SCHD?
Over the past year PSK returned -1.59% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PSK annualized +0.18% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSK or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 8.9% for PSK. Worst drawdown: PSK -34.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PSK and SCHD?
PSK and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSK and SCHD?
PSK and SCHD share 1 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 243 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSK or SCHD?
PSK yields 7.06% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PSK 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.