PWS vs SCHD
PWS vs SCHD
Pacer WealthShield ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. PWS offers more diversification with 329 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PWS | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $24M | $103.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 235 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +0.88% | +24.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.57% | +31.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.84% | +14.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.78% | +9.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.9% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2017 | Oct 20, 2011 |
PWS vs SCHD Performance
Pacer WealthShield ETF (PWS) 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 PWS returned +5.57% while SCHD returned +31.88%. Year to date, PWS is up 0.88% versus a gain of 24.08% for SCHD.
Over three years, PWS compounded at +6.84% per year against +14.92% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +1.78% and +9.85% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +4.43%. 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 12.5% for PWS. 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 -24.9% for PWS 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PWS 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, PWS currently yields 1.29% against 3.31% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
PWS and SCHD share 12 holdings out of 417 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PWS | Weight in SCHD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMGN | 0.21% | 4.25% | 4.04% |
| TXN | 0.23% | 3.70% | 3.47% |
| LMT | 0.39% | 2.66% | 2.27% |
| QCOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ADP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UPS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| 2345:TW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FAST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PAYX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SNA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PWS shares with SCHD Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PWS or SCHD?
PWS 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, PWS or SCHD?
Over the past year PWS returned +5.57% vs +31.88% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PWS annualized +4.43% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PWS or SCHD?
SCHD has been the more volatile fund at 13.6% annualized versus 12.5% for PWS. Worst drawdown: PWS -24.9% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both PWS and SCHD?
PWS and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PWS and SCHD?
PWS and SCHD share 12 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 417 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PWS or SCHD?
PWS yields 1.29% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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