PTLC vs SCHD
Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PTLC offers more diversification with 506 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PTLC | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +7.11% | +28.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.42% | +32.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.19% | +17.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.59% | +10.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 65348.8% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2015 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PTLC vs SCHD Performance
Pacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF (PTLC) 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 PTLC returned +14.42% while SCHD returned +32.27%. Year to date, PTLC is up 7.11% versus a gain of 28.70% for SCHD.
Over three years, PTLC compounded at +14.19% per year against +17.27% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +9.59% and +10.23% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, PTLC has the edge at +36.87% annualized vs +11.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PTLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65348.8% compared with 13.7% 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 -100.0% for PTLC 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 -0.10. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PTLC charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PTLC currently yields 1.01% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PTLC and SCHD share 46 holdings out of 547 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PTLC or SCHD?
PTLC has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PTLC or SCHD?
Over the past year PTLC returned +14.42% vs +32.27% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PTLC annualized +36.87% vs +11.63% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PTLC or SCHD?
PTLC has been the more volatile fund at 65348.8% annualized versus 13.7% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PTLC -100.0% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PTLC and SCHD?
PTLC and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.10, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PTLC and SCHD?
PTLC and SCHD share 46 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PTLC or SCHD?
PTLC yields 1.01% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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