AVDS vs. FNDC

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

AVDS (Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF) and FNDC (Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. AVDS is actively managed, while FNDC is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVDS returned 18.15%/yr vs 16.65%/yr for FNDC. Their 0.97 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. AVDS charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for FNDC.

Performance

AVDS vs. FNDC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) and Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with AVDS having a 10.69% return and FNDC slightly higher at 11.12%.

AVDS

• 1D: -0.60%
• 1M: 0.34%
• 6M: 3.61%
• YTD: 10.69%
• 1Y: 25.23%
• 3Y*: 18.15%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 17.61%

FNDC

• 1D: -0.73%
• 1M: 0.70%
• 6M: 4.33%
• YTD: 11.12%
• 1Y: 22.13%
• 3Y*: 16.65%
• 5Y*: 7.75%
• 10Y*: 8.58%
• ALL TIME*: 7.81%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	$1.82M	$2.17M	$2.04M
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF	$3.64M	$3.98M	$9.66M

AVDS vs. FNDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	10.69%	38.18%	3.20%	3.58%
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF	11.12%	35.65%	1.38%	2.83%

Correlation

The correlation between AVDS and FNDC is 0.95 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 20, 2023	0.97

The correlation between AVDS and FNDC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVDS vs. FNDC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVDS	FNDC
Industrials	22.5%	24.6%
Basic Materials	15.4%	10.2%
Consumer Cyclical	13.9%	13.4%
Financial Services	12.8%	11.9%
Technology	10.5%	9.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.8%	6.1%
Energy	5.2%	3.9%
Healthcare	4.8%	5.5%
Real Estate	3.2%	7.2%
Communication Services	3.1%	4.9%
Utilities	2.8%	2.6%

Return for Risk

AVDS vs. FNDC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

AVDS

AVDS Risk / Return Rank: 66
AVDS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
AVDS Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
AVDS Omega Ratio Rank: 69
AVDS Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
AVDS Martin Ratio Rank: 62

FNDC

FNDC Risk / Return Rank: 62
FNDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FNDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
FNDC Omega Ratio Rank: 64
FNDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
FNDC Martin Ratio Rank: 58

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

AVDS vs. FNDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) and Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AVDS	FNDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.62	1.49	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.28	2.14	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.27	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.08	1.99	+0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.40	6.92	+0.48

AVDS vs. FNDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVDS Sharpe Ratio is 1.62, which is comparable to the FNDC Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVDS and FNDC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AVDS vs. FNDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVDS drawdown since its inception was -13.51%, smaller than the maximum FNDC drawdown of -43.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVDS and FNDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVDS	FNDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.51%	-43.22%	+29.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.44%	-11.20%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.51%	-12.00%	-1.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.13%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-43.22%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.90%	-2.30%	-0.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-8.38%	+5.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.48%	3.22%	+0.26%

Volatility

AVDS vs. FNDC - Volatility Comparison

Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF (AVDS) has a higher volatility of 4.99% compared to Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC) at 4.22%. This indicates that AVDS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FNDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVDS	FNDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.99%	4.22%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.83%	13.06%	+0.77%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.93%	15.04%	+0.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.50%	16.06%	-0.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.50%	16.67%	-1.17%

AVDS vs. FNDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVDS has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than FNDC's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVDS vs. FNDC - Dividend Comparison

AVDS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.29%, less than FNDC's 3.66% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVDS Avantis International Small Cap Equity ETF	2.29%	2.37%	3.07%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF	3.66%	3.86%	3.59%	2.86%	1.98%	2.58%	1.77%	2.71%	2.68%	1.94%	1.95%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVDS and FNDC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AVDS and FNDC move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, AVDS or FNDC?

AVDS has higher volatility (4.99%) compared to FNDC (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVDS dropped -13.51% vs FNDC's -43.22%.

Which ETF is better, AVDS or FNDC?

On 3-year performance, AVDS leads with 18.15% vs 16.65% for FNDC. On fees, AVDS is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, FNDC has been the lower-risk option at 4.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVDS or FNDC?

Over the 3-year period, AVDS has performed better with a 18.15% return vs 16.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVDS or FNDC?

AVDS is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for FNDC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVDS or FNDC?

FNDC has the higher dividend yield at 3.66%, compared with 2.29% for AVDS.

What is the main difference between AVDS and FNDC?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for AVDS and 0.39% for FNDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVDS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.62 vs 1.49), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.