FNDE vs. DFEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FNDE (Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company Index ETF) and DFEM (Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FNDE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Russell Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company Index, while DFEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Dimensional. FNDE is passively managed, while DFEM is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FNDE returned 21.61%/yr vs 23.24%/yr for DFEM. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.39% expense ratio.

Performance

FNDE vs. DFEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company Index ETF (FNDE) and Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDE achieves a 15.56% return, which is significantly lower than DFEM's 25.59% return.

FNDE

• 1D: -1.61%
• 1M: 3.09%
• YTD: 15.56%
• 6M: 16.15%
• 1Y: 36.88%
• 3Y*: 21.61%
• 5Y*: 9.57%
• 10Y*: 11.28%

DFEM

• 1D: -1.28%
• 1M: 6.85%
• YTD: 25.59%
• 6M: 27.96%
• 1Y: 50.40%
• 3Y*: 23.24%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FNDE vs. DFEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company Index ETF	15.56%	29.46%	12.10%	14.99%	-4.06%
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	25.59%	29.51%	7.53%	13.91%	-8.69%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDE and DFEM is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 28, 2022	0.94

The correlation between FNDE and DFEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDE vs. DFEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDE	DFEM
Financial Services	23.8%	15.4%
Technology	18.7%	32.9%
Energy	15.5%	4.4%
Basic Materials	13.6%	8.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	9.8%
Communication Services	6.6%	5.5%
Industrials	4.7%	11.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	3.7%
Utilities	2.5%	2.2%
Real Estate	1.5%	2.0%
Healthcare	0.5%	3.8%

Return for Risk

FNDE vs. DFEM — 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: 71
FNDE Omega Ratio Rank: 74
FNDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FNDE Martin Ratio Rank: 72

DFEM

DFEM Risk / Return Rank: 81
DFEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
DFEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
DFEM Omega Ratio Rank: 82
DFEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
DFEM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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. DFEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company Index ETF (FNDE) and Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM). 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.

	FNDE	DFEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	2.74	-0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	3.54	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.50	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.62	4.18	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.71	16.33	-2.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FNDE vs. DFEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDE Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is comparable to the DFEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.74. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDE and DFEM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FNDE	DFEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47	2.74	-0.27
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.38	0.92	-0.54

Drawdowns

FNDE vs. DFEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDE drawdown since its inception was -43.55%, which is greater than DFEM's maximum drawdown of -20.82%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDE and DFEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDE	DFEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.55%	-20.82%	-22.73%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.23%	-12.12%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.40%	-18.09%	-0.31%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.61%	-1.28%	-0.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.71%	-5.03%	-6.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	3.09%	-0.39%

Volatility

FNDE vs. DFEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company Index ETF (FNDE) is 5.34%, while Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF (DFEM) has a volatility of 7.78%. This indicates that FNDE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDE	DFEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.34%	7.78%	-2.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.30%	16.02%	-3.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.00%	18.45%	-3.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.91%	17.26%	-0.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.30%	17.26%	+2.04%

FNDE vs. DFEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FNDE and DFEM have an expense ratio of 0.39%.

Dividends

FNDE vs. DFEM - Dividend Comparison

FNDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.62%, more than DFEM's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFEM Dimensional Emerging Markets Core Equity 2 ETF	1.82%	2.32%	2.50%	2.38%	1.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company Index ETF	3.62%	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 DFEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, FNDE and DFEM 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, FNDE or DFEM?

DFEM has higher volatility (7.78%) compared to FNDE (5.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDE dropped -43.55% vs DFEM's -20.82%.

Which ETF is better, FNDE or DFEM?

On 3-year performance, DFEM leads with 23.24% vs 21.61% for FNDE. Both ETFs have the same 0.39% expense ratio. On volatility, FNDE has been the lower-risk option at 5.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDE or DFEM?

Over the 3-year period, DFEM has performed better with a 23.24% return vs 21.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDE or DFEM?

FNDE and DFEM have the same expense ratio: 0.39% per year.

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

FNDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.62%, compared with 1.82% for DFEM.

What is the main difference between FNDE and DFEM?

FNDE is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while DFEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Dimensional.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.74 vs 2.47), 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.