FNDC vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FNDC (Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FNDC is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the Russell RAFI Small Company Developed x 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, FNDC returned 9.15%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for SPEM. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FNDC charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

FNDC vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FNDC having a 11.54% return and SPEM slightly lower at 11.32%. Over the past 10 years, FNDC has underperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 9.15%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively higher 9.63% annualized return.

FNDC

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: -1.02%
• YTD: 11.54%
• 6M: 12.98%
• 1Y: 24.92%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 7.25%
• 10Y*: 9.15%

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)

FNDC vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF	11.54%	35.65%	1.38%	14.92%	-14.71%	10.26%	6.58%	20.58%	-19.10%	29.22%
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 FNDC and SPEM is 0.79, 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	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.77

The correlation between FNDC and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDC vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDC	SPEM
Industrials	25.8%	8.5%
Consumer Cyclical	12.8%	10.4%
Financial Services	11.5%	20.2%
Basic Materials	11.0%	8.2%
Technology	8.7%	28.2%
Real Estate	6.9%	1.9%
Consumer Defensive	6.3%	3.9%
Healthcare	4.9%	4.0%
Communication Services	4.8%	7.2%
Energy	4.6%	4.7%
Utilities	2.8%	2.8%

Return for Risk

FNDC vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDC

FNDC Risk / Return Rank: 56
FNDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
FNDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
FNDC Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FNDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
FNDC Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

FNDC vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	FNDC	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.55	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.16	+0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.29	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.23	2.28	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.23	8.16	+0.07

FNDC vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDC Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDC 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

FNDC vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDC drawdown since its inception was -43.22%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDC and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDC	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.22%	-64.41%	+21.19%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.20%	-11.36%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.98%	-17.62%	+4.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.13%	-31.75%	-0.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.22%	-36.06%	-7.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.93%	-2.40%	+0.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.44%	-14.73%	+6.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.04%	3.17%	-0.13%

Volatility

FNDC vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF (FNDC) is 5.51%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 6.87%. This indicates that FNDC 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

	FNDC	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.51%	6.87%	-1.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.47%	14.21%	-1.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.81%	16.67%	-1.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.08%	17.26%	-1.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.82%	18.83%	-2.01%

FNDC vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDC has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDC vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

FNDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.46%, more than SPEM's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNDC Schwab Fundamental International Small Co. Index ETF	3.46%	3.86%	3.59%	2.86%	1.98%	2.58%	1.77%	2.71%	2.68%	1.94%	1.95%	1.30%
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 FNDC and SPEM in my portfolio?

FNDC and SPEM have a correlation of 0.79, 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 SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to FNDC (5.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDC dropped -43.22% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, FNDC or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, SPEM leads with 9.63% vs 9.15% for FNDC. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, FNDC has been the lower-risk option at 5.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDC or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, SPEM has performed better with a 9.63% return vs 9.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDC or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for FNDC.

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

FNDC has the higher dividend yield at 3.46%, compared with 2.49% for SPEM.

What is the main difference between FNDC and SPEM?

FNDC is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while SPEM is Emerging Markets Equities. FNDC tracks Russell RAFI Small Company Developed x US, while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDC and 0.11% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 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.