FNDA vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FNDA (Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FNDA is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell RAFI Small Company US, while SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FNDA returned 11.35%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for SPEM. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FNDA charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

FNDA vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDA achieves a 18.31% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 11.32% return. Over the past 10 years, FNDA has outperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 11.35%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.63% annualized return.

FNDA

• 1D: 0.95%
• 1M: 5.44%
• YTD: 18.31%
• 6M: 15.70%
• 1Y: 33.02%
• 3Y*: 15.56%
• 5Y*: 7.49%
• 10Y*: 11.35%

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.21%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 25.79%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

FNDA vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNDA Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF	18.31%	7.44%	9.00%	20.29%	-14.83%	31.12%	8.44%	24.34%	-12.12%	12.68%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.32%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDA and SPEM is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.62

The correlation between FNDA and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.62 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDA vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDA	SPEM
Industrials	18.9%	8.5%
Technology	14.9%	28.2%
Financial Services	14.6%	20.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	10.4%
Real Estate	9.9%	1.9%
Healthcare	6.8%	4.0%
Energy	6.2%	4.7%
Basic Materials	5.2%	8.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	3.9%
Communication Services	4.1%	7.2%
Utilities	2.8%	2.8%

Return for Risk

FNDA vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDA

FNDA Risk / Return Rank: 70
FNDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
FNDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
FNDA Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FNDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
FNDA Martin Ratio Rank: 71

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.91	1.55	+0.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.73	2.16	+0.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.29	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.54	2.28	+1.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.47	8.16	+3.31

FNDA vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDA Sharpe Ratio is 1.91, which is comparable to the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDA and SPEM, 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. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDA drawdown since its inception was -44.64%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDA and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDA	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.64%	-64.41%	+19.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.36%	-11.36%	+2.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.92%	-17.62%	-8.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.92%	-31.75%	+5.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.64%	-36.06%	-8.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.40%	+2.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.68%	-14.73%	+8.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	3.17%	-0.28%

Volatility

FNDA vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA) is 5.14%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 6.87%. This indicates that FNDA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDA	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.14%	6.87%	-1.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.13%	14.21%	-2.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.40%	16.67%	+0.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.93%	17.26%	+3.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.39%	18.83%	+3.56%

FNDA vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDA has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% 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. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

FNDA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.06%, less than SPEM's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.49%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDA and SPEM in my portfolio?

FNDA and SPEM have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FNDA or SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to FNDA (5.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDA dropped -44.64% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, FNDA or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, FNDA leads with 11.35% vs 9.63% for SPEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, FNDA has been the lower-risk option at 5.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDA or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, FNDA has performed better with a 11.35% return vs 9.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDA or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for FNDA.

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

SPEM has the higher dividend yield at 2.49%, compared with 1.06% for FNDA.

What is the main difference between FNDA and SPEM?

FNDA is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SPEM is Emerging Markets Equities. FNDA tracks Russell RAFI Small Company US, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for FNDA and 0.11% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.55), 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.