FNDC vs. DFISX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FNDC (Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF) and DFISX (DFA International Small Company Portfolio) are both Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FNDC returned 9.32%/yr vs 8.37%/yr for DFISX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.39% expense ratio.

Performance

FNDC vs. DFISX - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDC achieves a 11.11% return, which is significantly higher than DFISX's 8.12% return. Over the past 10 years, FNDC has outperformed DFISX with an annualized return of 9.32%, while DFISX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.37% annualized return.

FNDC

• 1D: -0.54%
• 1M: -0.66%
• YTD: 11.11%
• 6M: 11.31%
• 1Y: 26.81%
• 3Y*: 18.70%
• 5Y*: 7.78%
• 10Y*: 9.32%

DFISX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.11%
• YTD: 8.12%
• 6M: 8.42%
• 1Y: 24.90%
• 3Y*: 17.25%
• 5Y*: 7.67%
• 10Y*: 8.37%

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

FNDC vs. DFISX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF	11.11%	35.65%	1.38%	14.92%	-14.71%	10.26%	6.58%	20.58%	-19.10%	29.22%
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	8.12%	36.35%	3.76%	14.46%	-17.13%	10.71%	9.27%	24.18%	-19.42%	24.78%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDC and DFISX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.94

The correlation between FNDC and DFISX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.94 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FNDC vs. DFISX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDC

FNDC Risk / Return Rank: 54
FNDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FNDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
FNDC Omega Ratio Rank: 55
FNDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
FNDC Martin Ratio Rank: 53

DFISX

DFISX Risk / Return Rank: 38
DFISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Omega Ratio Rank: 40
DFISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
DFISX Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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. DFISX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF (FNDC) and DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX). 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	DFISX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.73	+0.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.56	2.45	+0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.31	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.40	2.04	+0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.83	7.35	+1.48

FNDC vs. DFISX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDC Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the DFISX Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDC and DFISX, 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

FNDC vs. DFISX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDC drawdown since its inception was -43.22%, smaller than the maximum DFISX drawdown of -60.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDC and DFISX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDC	DFISX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.22%	-60.66%	+17.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.20%	-11.96%	+0.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.98%	-13.68%	+0.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.13%	-35.06%	+2.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.22%	-43.00%	-0.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.31%	-2.68%	+0.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.42%	-11.63%	+3.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	3.30%	-0.26%

Volatility

FNDC vs. DFISX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF (FNDC) has a higher volatility of 5.11% compared to DFA International Small Company Portfolio (DFISX) at 4.53%. This indicates that FNDC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFISX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDC	DFISX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.11%	4.53%	+0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.53%	11.60%	+0.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.81%	14.11%	+0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.06%	15.94%	+0.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.81%	16.19%	+0.62%

FNDC vs. DFISX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FNDC and DFISX have an expense ratio of 0.39%.

Dividends

FNDC vs. DFISX - Dividend Comparison

FNDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.47%, more than DFISX's 2.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFISX DFA International Small Company Portfolio	2.91%	3.19%	3.39%	3.01%	3.51%	3.06%	1.71%	4.54%	7.74%	1.27%	4.44%	4.47%
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF	3.47%	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 DFISX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, FNDC and DFISX 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, FNDC or DFISX?

FNDC has higher volatility (5.11%) compared to DFISX (4.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDC dropped -43.22% vs DFISX's -60.66%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.73), 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.