PSLV vs SCHD
Sprott Physical Silver Trust vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. PSLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSLV | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $12.6B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | -10.85% | +25.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +69.01% | +32.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.46% | +15.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.35% | +9.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.4% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2010 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PSLV vs SCHD Performance
Sprott Physical Silver Trust (PSLV) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PSLV returned +69.01% while SCHD returned +32.31%. Year to date, PSLV is down 10.85% versus a gain of 25.33% for SCHD.
Over three years, PSLV compounded at +40.46% per year against +15.40% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +21.35% and +9.70% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.45% annualized vs +4.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% 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 -79.4% for PSLV 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSLV charges 0.56% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $6 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSLV currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSLV or SCHD?
PSLV has an expense ratio of 0.56% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSLV or SCHD?
Over the past year PSLV returned +69.01% vs +32.31% for SCHD, so PSLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PSLV annualized +4.97% vs +11.45% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSLV or SCHD?
PSLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PSLV -79.4% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PSLV and SCHD?
PSLV and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSLV or SCHD?
PSLV yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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