PGRO vs SCHD
PGRO vs SCHD
Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth 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 | PGRO | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $202M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +6.76% | +24.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.50% | +31.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.15% | +14.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.30% | +9.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.7% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PGRO vs SCHD Performance
Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF (PGRO) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PGRO returned +12.50% while SCHD returned +31.88%. Year to date, PGRO is up 6.76% versus a gain of 24.08% for SCHD.
Over three years, PGRO compounded at +22.15% per year against +14.92% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.30% and +9.85% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, PGRO has the edge at +13.21% annualized vs +11.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -34.7% for PGRO 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGRO charges 0.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $6 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGRO currently yields 0.02% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PGRO and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 133 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, PGRO or SCHD?
PGRO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGRO or SCHD?
Over the past year PGRO returned +12.50% vs +31.88% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PGRO annualized +13.21% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGRO or SCHD?
PGRO has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PGRO -34.7% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PGRO and SCHD?
PGRO and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGRO and SCHD?
PGRO and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 133 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGRO or SCHD?
PGRO yields 0.02% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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