PULS vs SCHD
PULS vs SCHD
PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PULS offers more diversification with 412 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PULS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $18.2B | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.28% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 683 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +2.30% | +22.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.49% | +30.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.44% | +14.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.24% | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.5% | 13.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.1% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 5, 2018 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PULS vs SCHD Performance
PGIM Ultra Short Bond ETF (PULS) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PULS returned +4.49% while SCHD returned +30.94%. Year to date, PULS is up 2.30% versus a gain of 22.69% for SCHD.
Over three years, PULS compounded at +5.44% per year against +14.20% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +4.24% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.31% annualized vs +2.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SCHD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 1.5% for PULS. 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 -6.1% for PULS 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PULS charges 0.15% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $6 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PULS currently yields 5.28% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PULS and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 512 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, PULS or SCHD?
PULS has an expense ratio of 0.15% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PULS or SCHD?
Over the past year PULS returned +4.49% vs +30.94% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), PULS annualized +2.53% vs +11.31% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PULS or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 1.5% for PULS. Worst drawdown: PULS -6.1% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PULS and SCHD?
PULS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PULS and SCHD?
PULS and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PULS or SCHD?
PULS yields 5.28% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so PULS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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