FNDA vs. ESML
Compare and contrast key facts about Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML).
FNDA and ESML are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. FNDA is a passively managed fund by Charles Schwab that tracks the performance of the Russell RAFI Small Company US. It was launched on Aug 15, 2013. ESML is a passively managed fund by iShares that tracks the performance of the MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index. It was launched on Apr 10, 2018. Both FNDA and ESML are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: FNDA or ESML.
Correlation
The correlation between FNDA and ESML is 0.96, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.

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FNDA vs. ESML - Performance Comparison
Key characteristics
FNDA:
-0.52
ESML:
-0.53
FNDA:
-0.60
ESML:
-0.60
FNDA:
0.92
ESML:
0.92
FNDA:
-0.43
ESML:
-0.44
FNDA:
-1.61
ESML:
-1.68
FNDA:
6.42%
ESML:
6.41%
FNDA:
19.96%
ESML:
20.37%
FNDA:
-44.64%
ESML:
-41.97%
FNDA:
-23.96%
ESML:
-24.73%
Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FNDA having a -17.43% return and ESML slightly lower at -18.10%.
FNDA
-17.43%
-12.79%
-15.99%
-10.74%
14.71%
6.60%
ESML
-18.10%
-13.10%
-16.15%
-11.34%
11.91%
N/A
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FNDA vs. ESML - Expense Ratio Comparison
FNDA has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than ESML's 0.17% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
FNDA vs. ESML — Risk-Adjusted Performance Rank
FNDA
ESML
FNDA vs. ESML - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML). 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.
Dividends
FNDA vs. ESML - Dividend Comparison
FNDA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.75%, more than ESML's 1.48% yield.
TTM | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FNDA Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF | 2.06% | 1.89% | 1.70% | 1.73% | 1.15% | 1.63% | 1.38% | 1.67% | 1.54% | 1.19% | 2.29% | 1.06% |
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF | 1.39% | 1.22% | 1.31% | 1.46% | 0.94% | 0.99% | 1.10% | 1.07% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Drawdowns
FNDA vs. ESML - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FNDA drawdown since its inception was -44.64%, which is greater than ESML's maximum drawdown of -41.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDA and ESML. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
FNDA vs. ESML - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA) is 13.55%, while iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) has a volatility of 14.29%. This indicates that FNDA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ESML based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
User Portfolios with FNDA or ESML
Recent discussions
Dividend Paying Stock Portfolio
4803heights
Feature idea - suggesting new diversified best risk/return options for a portfolio ?
Hi Dimitry,
Do you have any plans to add recommended instruments that will provide better diversification and risk/return for a portfolio like some other sites do ? They claim to do this based on expected future performance, but even based on past performance and past diversification may be a good start ?
RB
Performance return calculation
Is the performance return calculation include dividend or interest paid and for the case of ETF's is the expense fee subtracted?
Thanks!
Marcus Crahan