FNDC vs. SCHY

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

FNDC (Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF) and SCHY (Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FNDC is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Small Index (Net), while SCHY is a Dividend fund tracking the Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FNDC returned 7.88%/yr vs 8.67%/yr for SCHY. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FNDC charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for SCHY.

Performance

FNDC vs. SCHY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC) and Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FNDC having a 10.15% return and SCHY slightly higher at 10.53%.

FNDC

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -2.44%
• 6M: 6.19%
• YTD: 10.15%
• 1Y: 20.52%
• 3Y*: 16.37%
• 5Y*: 7.88%
• 10Y*: 8.66%

SCHY

• 1D: 0.15%
• 1M: 0.12%
• 6M: 9.11%
• YTD: 10.53%
• 1Y: 22.69%
• 3Y*: 14.57%
• 5Y*: 8.67%
• 10Y*: —

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

FNDC vs. SCHY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF	10.15%	35.65%	1.38%	14.92%	-14.71%	-2.00%
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	10.53%	33.98%	-1.79%	14.27%	-9.43%	3.42%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDC and SCHY is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 29, 2021	0.84

The correlation between FNDC and SCHY shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (1 year) to 0.84 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FNDC vs. SCHY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDC	SCHY
Industrials	25.3%	13.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.9%	7.8%
Financial Services	11.4%	15.9%
Basic Materials	11.3%	5.8%
Technology	10.1%	3.6%
Real Estate	6.6%	0.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.1%	14.4%
Healthcare	4.8%	7.4%
Communication Services	4.7%	15.0%
Energy	4.1%	9.6%
Utilities	2.6%	6.8%

Return for Risk

FNDC vs. SCHY — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDC

FNDC Risk / Return Rank: 48
FNDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
FNDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
FNDC Omega Ratio Rank: 48
FNDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
FNDC Martin Ratio Rank: 48

SCHY

SCHY Risk / Return Rank: 67
SCHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
SCHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
SCHY Omega Ratio Rank: 72
SCHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
SCHY Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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. SCHY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC) and Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY). 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	SCHY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.89	-0.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	2.63	-0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.34	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.84	2.50	-0.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.48	7.13	-0.65

FNDC vs. SCHY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDC Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the SCHY Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDC and SCHY, 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. SCHY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDC drawdown since its inception was -43.22%, which is greater than SCHY's maximum drawdown of -24.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDC and SCHY.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDC	SCHY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.22%	-24.04%	-19.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.20%	-9.11%	-2.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.98%	-12.16%	-0.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.13%	-24.04%	-8.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.22%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.15%	-2.86%	-0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.40%	-4.95%	-3.45%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	3.19%	-0.02%

Volatility

FNDC vs. SCHY - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC) has a higher volatility of 3.83% compared to Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF (SCHY) at 3.14%. This indicates that FNDC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SCHY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDC	SCHY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.83%	3.14%	+0.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.87%	10.24%	+2.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.91%	12.06%	+2.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.07%	13.26%	+2.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.65%	13.19%	+3.46%

FNDC vs. SCHY - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDC has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than SCHY's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDC vs. SCHY - Dividend Comparison

FNDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.69%, more than SCHY's 3.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF	3.69%	3.86%	3.59%	2.86%	1.98%	2.58%	1.77%	2.71%	2.68%	1.94%	1.95%	1.30%
SCHY Schwab International Dividend Equity ETF	3.42%	3.55%	4.64%	3.97%	3.67%	1.73%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDC and SCHY in my portfolio?

FNDC and SCHY have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FNDC or SCHY?

FNDC has higher volatility (3.83%) compared to SCHY (3.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDC dropped -43.22% vs SCHY's -24.04%.

Which ETF is better, FNDC or SCHY?

On 5-year performance, SCHY leads with 8.67% vs 7.88% for FNDC. On fees, SCHY is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, SCHY has been the lower-risk option at 3.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDC or SCHY?

Over the 5-year period, SCHY has performed better with a 8.67% return vs 7.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDC or SCHY?

SCHY is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for FNDC.

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

FNDC has the higher dividend yield at 3.69%, compared with 3.42% for SCHY.

What is the main difference between FNDC and SCHY?

FNDC is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while SCHY is Dividend. FNDC tracks RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Small Index (Net), while SCHY tracks Dow Jones International Dividend 100 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDC and 0.08% for SCHY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SCHY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.89 vs 1.38), 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.