FNDE vs. JHEM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

FNDE (Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and JHEM (John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - FNDE tracks the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net) while JHEM tracks the John Hancock Dimensional Emerging Markets Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FNDE returned 10.20%/yr vs 7.43%/yr for JHEM. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FNDE charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for JHEM.

Performance

FNDE vs. JHEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDE achieves a 13.31% return, which is significantly lower than JHEM's 19.08% return.

FNDE

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: -1.71%
• 6M: 7.89%
• YTD: 13.31%
• 1Y: 26.74%
• 3Y*: 19.15%
• 5Y*: 10.20%
• 10Y*: 10.04%

JHEM

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: -3.02%
• 6M: 14.79%
• YTD: 19.08%
• 1Y: 36.10%
• 3Y*: 18.30%
• 5Y*: 7.43%
• 10Y*: —

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

FNDE vs. JHEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	13.31%	29.46%	12.10%	14.99%	-15.58%	14.41%	-2.77%	19.75%	-7.88%
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	19.08%	30.49%	4.58%	12.94%	-17.90%	2.10%	11.50%	17.68%	-7.63%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDE and JHEM is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2018	0.92

The correlation between FNDE and JHEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDE vs. JHEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDE	JHEM
Technology	22.7%	33.9%
Financial Services	22.4%	20.1%
Basic Materials	10.7%	7.9%
Energy	10.5%	4.4%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	10.5%
Communication Services	5.5%	6.8%
Industrials	3.7%	7.6%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	3.0%
Utilities	2.1%	2.6%
Real Estate	1.4%	0.6%
Healthcare	1.1%	2.7%

Return for Risk

FNDE vs. JHEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDE

FNDE Risk / Return Rank: 63
FNDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
FNDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
FNDE Omega Ratio Rank: 63
FNDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
FNDE Martin Ratio Rank: 61

JHEM

JHEM Risk / Return Rank: 66
JHEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
JHEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
JHEM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
JHEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
JHEM Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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. JHEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) and John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM). 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	JHEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	1.65	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	2.20	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.31	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	2.94	-0.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.52	10.05	-1.52

FNDE vs. JHEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is comparable to the JHEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDE and JHEM, 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. JHEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDE drawdown since its inception was -43.55%, which is greater than JHEM's maximum drawdown of -34.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDE and JHEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDE	JHEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.55%	-34.99%	-8.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.23%	-12.34%	+2.11%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.40%	-18.16%	-0.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-30.17%	+0.73%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.93%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.52%	-6.64%	+3.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.65%	-9.88%	-1.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.14%	3.60%	-0.46%

Volatility

FNDE vs. JHEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) is 5.15%, while John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF (JHEM) has a volatility of 9.48%. This indicates that FNDE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than JHEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDE	JHEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.15%	9.48%	-4.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.60%	20.05%	-6.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.99%	21.95%	-5.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.10%	18.35%	-1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.13%	20.91%	-1.78%

FNDE vs. JHEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDE has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than JHEM's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDE vs. JHEM - Dividend Comparison

FNDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.65%, more than JHEM's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	3.65%	4.19%	4.82%	4.74%	5.59%	4.32%	2.50%	3.47%	2.98%	2.05%	1.65%	2.02%
JHEM John Hancock Multifactor Emerging Markets ETF	1.82%	2.39%	2.93%	2.87%	2.84%	2.71%	1.67%	2.37%	0.21%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDE and JHEM in my portfolio?

FNDE and JHEM have a correlation of 0.89, 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 JHEM?

JHEM has higher volatility (9.48%) compared to FNDE (5.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDE dropped -43.55% vs JHEM's -34.99%.

Which ETF is better, FNDE or JHEM?

On 5-year performance, FNDE leads with 10.20% vs 7.43% for JHEM. On fees, FNDE is cheaper at 0.39% per year. On volatility, FNDE has been the lower-risk option at 5.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDE or JHEM?

Over the 5-year period, FNDE has performed better with a 10.20% return vs 7.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDE or JHEM?

FNDE is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for JHEM.

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

FNDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.65%, compared with 1.82% for JHEM.

What is the main difference between FNDE and JHEM?

FNDE tracks RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net), while JHEM tracks John Hancock Dimensional Emerging Markets Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Manulife. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDE and 0.49% for JHEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 1.65), 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.