FNDC vs. ASCI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FNDC (Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF) and ASCI (abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. FNDC is passively managed, while ASCI is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FNDC charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.70%/yr for ASCI.

Performance

FNDC vs. ASCI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDC achieves a 8.64% return, which is significantly higher than ASCI's 4.49% return.

FNDC

• 1D: -2.22%
• 1M: -2.87%
• YTD: 8.64%
• 6M: 8.23%
• 1Y: 22.78%
• 3Y*: 17.82%
• 5Y*: 7.13%
• 10Y*: 9.07%

ASCI

• 1D: -2.81%
• 1M: -4.17%
• YTD: 4.49%
• 6M: 3.59%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FNDC vs. ASCI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF	8.64%	4.24%
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	4.49%	1.37%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDC and ASCI is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2025	0.83

Return for Risk

FNDC vs. ASCI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDC

FNDC Risk / Return Rank: 45
FNDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
FNDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
FNDC Omega Ratio Rank: 46
FNDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
FNDC Martin Ratio Rank: 47

ASCI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

FNDC vs. ASCI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF (FNDC) and abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF (ASCI). 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.

	FNDC	ASCI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.47	—	—

Drawdowns

FNDC vs. ASCI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDC drawdown since its inception was -43.22%, which is greater than ASCI's maximum drawdown of -11.22%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDC and ASCI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDC	ASCI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.22%	-11.22%	-32.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.20%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.98%	—	—
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	-4.48%	-5.47%	+0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.42%	-2.47%	-5.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.06%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FNDC	ASCI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.54%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.73%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.96%	19.38%	-4.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.09%	19.38%	-3.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.69%	19.38%	-2.69%

FNDC vs. ASCI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDC has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than ASCI's 0.70% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDC vs. ASCI - Dividend Comparison

FNDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.55%, more than ASCI's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASCI abrdn International Small Cap Active ETF	0.77%	0.80%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF	3.55%	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 FNDC and ASCI in my portfolio?

FNDC and ASCI have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FNDC or ASCI?

On fees, FNDC is cheaper at 0.39% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDC or ASCI?

FNDC is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for ASCI.

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

FNDC has the higher dividend yield at 3.55%, compared with 0.77% for ASCI.

What is the main difference between FNDC and ASCI?

They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDC and 0.70% for ASCI.