FNDE vs. IEMG

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

FNDE (Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and IEMG (iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - FNDE tracks the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net) while IEMG tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FNDE returned 9.98%/yr vs 8.99%/yr for IEMG. Their correlation of 0.93 means they have usually moved in the same direction. FNDE charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for IEMG.

Performance

FNDE vs. IEMG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDE achieves a 16.21% return, which is significantly lower than IEMG's 20.33% return. Over the past 10 years, FNDE has outperformed IEMG with an annualized return of 9.98%, while IEMG has yielded a comparatively lower 8.99% annualized return.

FNDE

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 5.81%
• 6M: 7.39%
• YTD: 16.21%
• 1Y: 29.79%
• 3Y*: 20.36%
• 5Y*: 10.67%
• 10Y*: 9.98%
• ALL TIME*: 7.27%

IEMG

• 1D: 2.73%
• 1M: 0.50%
• 6M: 10.57%
• YTD: 20.33%
• 1Y: 35.95%
• 3Y*: 20.10%
• 5Y*: 7.69%
• 10Y*: 8.99%
• ALL TIME*: 6.36%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	$31.25M	$31.29M	$33.84M
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	$869.90M	$963.54M	$1.10B

FNDE vs. IEMG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	16.21%	29.46%	12.10%	14.99%	-15.58%	14.41%	-2.77%	19.75%	-10.37%	26.77%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	20.33%	32.56%	6.50%	11.52%	-19.98%	-0.64%	17.87%	17.81%	-14.92%	37.38%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDE and IEMG is 0.90, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.93

The correlation between FNDE and IEMG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDE vs. IEMG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDE	IEMG
Financial Services	25.0%	17.3%
Technology	22.3%	43.6%
Energy	13.2%	3.0%
Basic Materials	12.0%	5.8%
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	7.7%
Communication Services	6.6%	5.6%
Industrials	4.6%	7.7%
Consumer Defensive	3.3%	2.8%
Utilities	2.4%	1.9%
Real Estate	1.4%	1.5%
Healthcare	0.4%	3.2%

Return for Risk

FNDE vs. IEMG — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

FNDE

FNDE Risk / Return Rank: 71
FNDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
FNDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FNDE Omega Ratio Rank: 72
FNDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FNDE Martin Ratio Rank: 67

IEMG

IEMG Risk / Return Rank: 59
IEMG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
IEMG Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
IEMG Omega Ratio Rank: 59
IEMG Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
IEMG Martin Ratio Rank: 60

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

FNDE vs. IEMG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) and iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG). 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	IEMG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.52	+0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.49	2.04	+0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.29	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.93	2.62	+0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.25	7.96	+1.30

FNDE vs. IEMG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the IEMG Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDE and IEMG, 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. IEMG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDE drawdown since its inception was -43.55%, which is greater than IEMG's maximum drawdown of -38.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDE and IEMG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDE	IEMG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.55%	-38.71%	-4.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.23%	-13.78%	+3.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.40%	-17.21%	-1.19%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-33.61%	+4.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.93%	-38.71%	-1.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.05%	-6.70%	+5.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.61%	-12.89%	+1.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.23%	4.53%	-1.30%

Volatility

FNDE vs. IEMG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) is 4.18%, while iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) has a volatility of 8.74%. This indicates that FNDE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than IEMG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDE	IEMG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.18%	8.74%	-4.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.38%	21.80%	-8.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.13%	23.83%	-7.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.08%	19.31%	-2.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.13%	20.34%	-1.21%

FNDE vs. IEMG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDE has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than IEMG's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDE vs. IEMG - Dividend Comparison

FNDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.56%, more than IEMG's 2.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	3.56%	4.19%	4.82%	4.74%	5.59%	4.32%	2.50%	3.47%	2.98%	2.05%	1.65%	2.02%
IEMG iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF	2.24%	2.75%	3.20%	2.89%	2.71%	3.06%	1.87%	3.15%	2.76%	2.35%	2.28%	2.53%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDE and IEMG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, FNDE and IEMG 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 IEMG?

IEMG has higher volatility (8.74%) compared to FNDE (4.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDE dropped -43.55% vs IEMG's -38.71%.

Which ETF is better, FNDE or IEMG?

On 10-year performance, FNDE leads with 9.98% vs 8.99% for IEMG. On fees, IEMG is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, FNDE has been the lower-risk option at 4.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDE or IEMG?

Over the 10-year period, FNDE has performed better with a 9.98% return vs 8.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDE or IEMG?

IEMG is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for FNDE.

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

FNDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.56%, compared with 2.24% for IEMG.

What is the main difference between FNDE and IEMG?

FNDE tracks RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net), while IEMG tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (USD) (Net). They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDE and 0.09% for IEMG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.52), 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.