PSTP vs SCHD
Innovator Power Buffer Step Up Strategy ETF 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 | PSTP | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.89% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $132M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +5.99% | +25.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.80% | +31.06% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.15% | +15.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.61% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.3% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.5% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 7, 2022 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PSTP vs SCHD Performance
Innovator Power Buffer Step Up Strategy ETF (PSTP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PSTP returned +9.80% while SCHD returned +31.06%. Year to date, PSTP is up 5.99% versus a gain of 25.58% for SCHD.
Over three years, PSTP compounded at +11.15% per year against +15.55% for SCHD. Across the full 4-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.46% annualized vs +9.06%. 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 8.3% for PSTP. 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 -12.5% for PSTP 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSTP charges 0.89% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $89 vs $6 annually, a gap of $83 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSTP currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSTP or SCHD?
PSTP has an expense ratio of 0.89% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $83 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSTP or SCHD?
Over the past year PSTP returned +9.80% vs +31.06% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), PSTP annualized +9.06% vs +11.46% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSTP or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 8.3% for PSTP. Worst drawdown: PSTP -12.5% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PSTP and SCHD?
PSTP and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSTP or SCHD?
PSTP 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.