FNDA vs. AVSC

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FNDA (Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF) and AVSC (Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF) are both Small Cap Blend Equities funds. FNDA is passively managed, while AVSC is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FNDA returned 14.92%/yr vs 17.28%/yr for AVSC. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

FNDA vs. AVSC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDA achieves a 20.82% return, which is significantly lower than AVSC's 25.77% return.

FNDA

• 1D: 0.91%
• 1M: 2.67%
• 6M: 12.04%
• YTD: 20.82%
• 1Y: 30.96%
• 3Y*: 14.92%
• 5Y*: 9.51%
• 10Y*: 11.01%

AVSC

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 4.22%
• 6M: 16.71%
• YTD: 25.77%
• 1Y: 40.31%
• 3Y*: 17.28%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FNDA vs. AVSC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FNDA Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF	20.82%	7.44%	9.00%	20.29%	-14.49%
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	25.77%	9.42%	7.75%	19.68%	-12.40%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDA and AVSC is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 13, 2022	0.98

The correlation between FNDA and AVSC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FNDA vs. AVSC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FNDA

FNDA Risk / Return Rank: 73
FNDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
FNDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FNDA Omega Ratio Rank: 66
FNDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
FNDA Martin Ratio Rank: 74

AVSC

AVSC Risk / Return Rank: 88
AVSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AVSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
AVSC Omega Ratio Rank: 83
AVSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AVSC Martin Ratio Rank: 90

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FNDA vs. AVSC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF (FNDA) and Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC). 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.

	FNDA	AVSC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.29	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	3.29	-0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.39	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.32	5.13	-1.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.73	16.14	-5.41

FNDA vs. AVSC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDA Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the AVSC Sharpe Ratio of 2.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDA and AVSC, 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

FNDA vs. AVSC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDA drawdown since its inception was -44.64%, which is greater than AVSC's maximum drawdown of -28.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDA and AVSC.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDA	AVSC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.64%	-28.40%	-16.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.36%	-7.89%	-1.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.92%	-28.40%	+2.48%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.92%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.64%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	0.00%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.64%	-7.26%	+0.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	2.50%	+0.39%

Volatility

FNDA vs. AVSC - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF (FNDA) has a higher volatility of 3.81% compared to Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF (AVSC) at 3.54%. This indicates that FNDA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVSC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDA	AVSC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.81%	3.54%	+0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.11%	11.93%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.07%	17.71%	-0.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.81%	22.17%	-1.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.31%	22.17%	+0.14%

FNDA vs. AVSC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FNDA and AVSC have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FNDA vs. AVSC - Dividend Comparison

FNDA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.10%, more than AVSC's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVSC Avantis US Small Cap Equity ETF	0.91%	1.16%	1.17%	1.42%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FNDA Schwab Fundamental U.S. Small Company ETF	1.10%	1.22%	1.53%	1.37%	1.38%	1.15%	1.31%	1.38%	1.64%	1.30%	1.18%	1.33%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDA and AVSC in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, FNDA and AVSC 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, FNDA or AVSC?

FNDA has higher volatility (3.81%) compared to AVSC (3.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDA dropped -44.64% vs AVSC's -28.40%.

Which ETF is better, FNDA or AVSC?

On 3-year performance, AVSC leads with 17.28% vs 14.92% for FNDA. Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. On volatility, AVSC has been the lower-risk option at 3.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDA or AVSC?

Over the 3-year period, AVSC has performed better with a 17.28% return vs 14.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDA or AVSC?

FNDA and AVSC have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FNDA or AVSC?

FNDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.10%, compared with 0.91% for AVSC.

What is the main difference between FNDA and AVSC?

They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Avantis Investors.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AVSC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.29 vs 1.82), 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.