FNDE vs. DGS
FNDE (Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and DGS (WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - FNDE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net), while DGS is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund tracking the WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FNDE returned 11.35%/yr vs 10.19%/yr for DGS. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FNDE charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DGS.
Performance
FNDE vs. DGS - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FNDE achieves a 15.28% return, which is significantly lower than DGS's 16.74% return. Over the past 10 years, FNDE has outperformed DGS with an annualized return of 11.35%, while DGS has yielded a comparatively lower 10.19% annualized return.
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%
DGS
- 1D
- 1.57%
- 1M
- 5.15%
- YTD
- 16.74%
- 6M
- 18.36%
- 1Y
- 27.58%
- 3Y*
- 15.53%
- 5Y*
- 8.62%
- 10Y*
- 10.19%
FNDE vs. DGS - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF | 15.28% | 29.46% | 12.10% | 14.99% | -15.58% | 14.41% | -2.77% | 19.75% | -10.37% | 26.77% |
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 16.74% | 21.18% | 1.13% | 19.08% | -12.35% | 15.33% | 4.06% | 18.90% | -16.52% | 37.47% |
Correlation
The correlation between FNDE and DGS is 0.87, 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 | 0.87 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.86 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.87 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.89 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013 | 0.89 |
The correlation between FNDE and DGS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
FNDE vs. DGS — Risk / Return Rank
FNDE
DGS
FNDE vs. DGS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) and WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS). 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 | DGS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.47 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.53 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.39 | 1.31 | +0.08 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.26 | 2.75 | +0.51 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.87 | 9.08 | +2.79 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
FNDE vs. DGS - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FNDE drawdown since its inception was -43.55%, smaller than the maximum DGS drawdown of -61.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDE and DGS.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| FNDE | DGS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -43.55% | -61.83% | +18.28% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -10.23% | -10.06% | -0.17% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -18.40% | -19.31% | +0.91% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -29.44% | -24.86% | -4.58% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -39.93% | -44.08% | +4.15% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.84% | 0.00% | -1.84% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -11.69% | -12.57% | +0.88% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.80% | 3.04% | -0.24% |
Volatility
FNDE vs. DGS - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) is 6.44%, while WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund (DGS) has a volatility of 7.45%. This indicates that FNDE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DGS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| FNDE | DGS | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.44% | 7.45% | -1.01% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 13.13% | 14.34% | -1.21% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.64% | 16.63% | -0.99% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.03% | 15.11% | +1.92% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.31% | 17.40% | +1.91% |
FNDE vs. DGS - Expense Ratio Comparison
FNDE has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than DGS's 0.58% expense ratio.
Dividends
FNDE vs. DGS - Dividend Comparison
FNDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.63%, more than DGS's 3.15% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DGS WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Fund | 3.15% | 3.45% | 3.36% | 4.55% | 5.34% | 3.98% | 3.69% | 3.95% | 4.24% | 2.81% | 3.42% | 3.28% |
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
FNDE and DGS have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
DGS has higher volatility (7.45%) compared to FNDE (6.44%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDE dropped -43.55% vs DGS's -61.83%.
On 10-year performance, FNDE leads with 11.35% vs 10.19% for DGS. On fees, FNDE is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, FNDE has been the lower-risk option at 6.44%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, FNDE has performed better with a 11.35% return vs 10.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
FNDE is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DGS.
FNDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.63%, compared with 3.15% for DGS.
FNDE is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while DGS is Emerging Markets Diversified. FNDE tracks RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net), while DGS tracks WisdomTree Emerging Markets SmallCap Dividend Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDE and 0.58% for DGS.
FNDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.67), 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.
Find the right allocation for FNDE and DGS
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer