PSMD vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPSMDSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.49%0.06%
AUM$93M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings6104
YTD Return+7.55%+24.26%
1Y Return+13.30%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.35%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.37%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)7.5%13.6%
Max Drawdown-12.0%-33.4%
Fund FamilyPacer ETFsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionDec 22, 2020Oct 20, 2011

PSMD vs SCHD Performance

Pacer Swan SOS Moderate (January) ETF (PSMD) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PSMD returned +13.30% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PSMD is up 7.55% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, PSMD compounded at +12.35% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.37% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +9.94%. 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 7.5% for PSMD. 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 -12.0% for PSMD 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PSMD charges 0.49% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $6 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSMD currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PSMD and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 101 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PSMD or SCHD?

PSMD has an expense ratio of 0.49% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PSMD or SCHD?

Over the past year PSMD returned +13.30% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PSMD annualized +9.94% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PSMD or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 7.5% for PSMD. Worst drawdown: PSMD -12.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both PSMD and SCHD?

PSMD and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PSMD and SCHD?

PSMD and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 101 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PSMD or SCHD?

PSMD yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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