FNDE vs. DFAS

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

FNDE (Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and DFAS (Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FNDE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net), while DFAS is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. FNDE is passively managed, while DFAS is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FNDE returned 9.90%/yr vs 8.05%/yr for DFAS. A 0.58 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FNDE charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for DFAS.

Performance

FNDE vs. DFAS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). 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 FNDE having a 15.28% return and DFAS slightly higher at 15.89%.

FNDE

• 1D: 1.39%
• 1M: 3.43%
• YTD: 15.28%
• 6M: 17.23%
• 1Y: 33.20%
• 3Y*: 19.92%
• 5Y*: 9.90%
• 10Y*: 11.35%

DFAS

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 6.49%
• YTD: 15.89%
• 6M: 13.64%
• 1Y: 32.03%
• 3Y*: 15.22%
• 5Y*: 8.05%
• 10Y*: —

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

FNDE vs. DFAS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	15.28%	29.46%	12.10%	14.99%	-15.58%	-2.64%
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	15.89%	8.17%	10.21%	17.83%	-13.84%	4.52%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDE and DFAS is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2021	0.58

The correlation between FNDE and DFAS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.56 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDE vs. DFAS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDE	DFAS
Technology	23.3%	15.1%
Financial Services	16.2%	19.2%
Energy	10.4%	6.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.1%	13.0%
Basic Materials	8.1%	5.2%
Industrials	3.6%	18.9%
Communication Services	3.5%	2.6%
Utilities	1.9%	2.8%
Real Estate	1.5%	0.7%
Consumer Defensive	1.2%	4.2%
Healthcare	1.1%	12.0%

Return for Risk

FNDE vs. DFAS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDE

FNDE Risk / Return Rank: 72
FNDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
FNDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
FNDE Omega Ratio Rank: 74
FNDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
FNDE Martin Ratio Rank: 70

DFAS

DFAS Risk / Return Rank: 67
DFAS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
DFAS Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
DFAS Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DFAS Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
DFAS Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

FNDE vs. DFAS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) and Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS). 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.

	FNDE	DFAS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	1.90	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.84	2.76	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.33	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.26	3.44	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.87	11.81	+0.06

FNDE vs. DFAS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDE Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the DFAS Sharpe Ratio of 1.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDE and DFAS, 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

FNDE vs. DFAS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDE drawdown since its inception was -43.55%, which is greater than DFAS's maximum drawdown of -26.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDE and DFAS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDE	DFAS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.55%	-26.13%	-17.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.23%	-9.36%	-0.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.40%	-26.13%	+7.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-26.13%	-3.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.84%	0.00%	-1.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.69%	-8.26%	-3.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.80%	2.72%	+0.08%

Volatility

FNDE vs. DFAS - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) has a higher volatility of 6.44% compared to Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF (DFAS) at 5.17%. This indicates that FNDE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFAS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDE	DFAS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.44%	5.17%	+1.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.13%	11.88%	+1.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.64%	16.98%	-1.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.03%	20.85%	-3.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.31%	20.84%	-1.53%

FNDE vs. DFAS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDE has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAS's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDE vs. DFAS - Dividend Comparison

FNDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.63%, more than DFAS's 0.90% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAS Dimensional U.S. Small Cap ETF	0.90%	0.99%	0.93%	1.00%	1.03%	2.87%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	3.63%	4.19%	4.82%	4.74%	5.59%	4.32%	2.50%	3.47%	2.98%	2.05%	1.65%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDE and DFAS in my portfolio?

FNDE and DFAS have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FNDE or DFAS?

FNDE has higher volatility (6.44%) compared to DFAS (5.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDE dropped -43.55% vs DFAS's -26.13%.

Which ETF is better, FNDE or DFAS?

On 5-year performance, FNDE leads with 9.90% vs 8.05% for DFAS. On fees, DFAS is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, DFAS has been the lower-risk option at 5.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDE or DFAS?

Over the 5-year period, FNDE has performed better with a 9.90% return vs 8.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDE or DFAS?

DFAS is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for FNDE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FNDE or DFAS?

FNDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.63%, compared with 0.90% for DFAS.

What is the main difference between FNDE and DFAS?

FNDE is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while DFAS is Small Cap Blend Equities. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDE and 0.34% for DFAS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.90), 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.