FNDA vs. ESML

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FNDA (Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF) and ESML (iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FNDA is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell RAFI Small Company US, while ESML is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FNDA returned 7.85%/yr vs 7.74%/yr for ESML. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FNDA charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for ESML.

Performance

FNDA vs. ESML - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDA achieves a 17.58% return, which is significantly lower than ESML's 19.45% return.

FNDA

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 17.58%
• 6M: 15.13%
• 1Y: 33.85%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: 7.85%
• 10Y*: 11.45%

ESML

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 4.96%
• YTD: 19.45%
• 6M: 16.51%
• 1Y: 37.51%
• 3Y*: 18.35%
• 5Y*: 7.74%
• 10Y*: —

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

FNDA vs. ESML - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FNDA Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF	17.58%	7.44%	9.00%	20.29%	-14.83%	31.12%	8.44%	24.34%	-11.48%
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	19.45%	10.62%	12.01%	17.27%	-17.28%	19.28%	19.56%	29.12%	-10.72%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDA and ESML is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 12, 2018	0.96

The correlation between FNDA and ESML has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDA vs. ESML - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDA	ESML
Industrials	19.3%	17.8%
Technology	16.2%	20.8%
Financial Services	14.1%	13.8%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	10.7%
Real Estate	9.8%	6.5%
Healthcare	7.1%	12.8%
Energy	5.5%	4.8%
Basic Materials	5.2%	4.0%
Communication Services	4.0%	2.5%
Consumer Defensive	3.9%	3.4%
Utilities	2.7%	2.8%

Return for Risk

FNDA vs. ESML — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDA

FNDA Risk / Return Rank: 64
FNDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
FNDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FNDA Omega Ratio Rank: 56
FNDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FNDA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

ESML

ESML Risk / Return Rank: 74
ESML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
ESML Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
ESML Omega Ratio Rank: 64
ESML Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
ESML Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. ESML - Risk-Adjusted Trends 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.

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	ESML	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.96	2.20	-0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	3.10	-0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.37	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.63	4.17	-0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.75	15.31	-3.56

FNDA vs. ESML - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDA Sharpe Ratio is 1.96, which is comparable to the ESML Sharpe Ratio of 2.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDA and ESML, 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. 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.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDA	ESML	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.64%	-41.97%	-2.67%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.36%	-9.04%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.92%	-26.68%	+0.76%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.92%	-28.61%	+2.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.64%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.67%	0.00%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.67%	-8.92%	+2.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	2.46%	+0.43%

Volatility

FNDA vs. ESML - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA) is 4.93%, while iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) has a volatility of 5.34%. 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.

Volatility by Period

	FNDA	ESML	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.93%	5.34%	-0.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.20%	12.30%	-0.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.41%	17.13%	+0.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.89%	21.28%	-0.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.40%	23.39%	-0.99%

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%.

Dividends

FNDA vs. ESML - Dividend Comparison

FNDA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.06%, more than ESML's 0.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ESML iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF	0.91%	1.08%	1.22%	1.31%	1.46%	0.94%	0.99%	1.10%	1.07%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FNDA Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF	1.06%	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 ESML in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, FNDA and ESML 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 ESML?

ESML has higher volatility (5.34%) compared to FNDA (4.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDA dropped -44.64% vs ESML's -41.97%.

Which ETF is better, FNDA or ESML?

On 5-year performance, FNDA leads with 7.85% vs 7.74% for ESML. On fees, ESML is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, FNDA has been the lower-risk option at 4.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDA or ESML?

Over the 5-year period, FNDA has performed better with a 7.85% return vs 7.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDA or ESML?

ESML is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for FNDA.

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

FNDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.06%, compared with 0.91% for ESML.

What is the main difference between FNDA and ESML?

FNDA is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while ESML is Small Cap Growth Equities. FNDA tracks Russell RAFI Small Company US, while ESML tracks MSCI USA Small Cap Extended ESG Focus Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for FNDA and 0.17% for ESML.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ESML currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.20 vs 1.96), 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.