PTA vs SCHD

PTA vs SCHD
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Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PTA offers more diversification with 283 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: PTA

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPTASCHDWinner
Expense Ratio2.01%0.06%
AUM-$108.7B
Dividend Yield7.91%3.13%
Holdings283104
YTD Return+1.84%+26.50%
1Y Return+1.22%+31.25%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.51%+16.34%
5Y Return (annualized)+2.14%+10.10%
Volatility (annualized)13.6%13.6%
Max Drawdown-28.7%-33.4%
Fund FamilyCohen & Steers FundsCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionOct 28, 2020Oct 20, 2011

PTA vs SCHD Performance

Cohen & Steers Tax-Advantaged Preferred Securities & Income Fund (PTA) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PTA returned +1.22% while SCHD returned +31.25%. Year to date, PTA is up 1.84% versus a gain of 26.50% for SCHD.

Over three years, PTA compounded at +10.51% per year against +16.34% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +2.14% and +10.10% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.50% annualized vs +2.84%. 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 13.6% for PTA. 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 -28.7% for PTA 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PTA charges 2.01% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $201 vs $6 annually, a gap of $195 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTA currently yields 7.91% against 3.13% for SCHD.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PTA and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 267 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, PTA or SCHD?

PTA has an expense ratio of 2.01% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $195 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PTA or SCHD?

Over the past year PTA returned +1.22% vs +31.25% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), PTA annualized +2.84% vs +11.50% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PTA or SCHD?

SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 13.6% for PTA. Worst drawdown: PTA -28.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both PTA and SCHD?

PTA and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PTA and SCHD?

PTA and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 267 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PTA or SCHD?

PTA yields 7.91% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so PTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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