FNDE vs. MEM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FNDE (Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company Index ETF) and MEM (Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FNDE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the Russell Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company Index, while MEM is a Emerging Markets Diversified fund actively managed by Matthews. FNDE is passively managed, while MEM is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FNDE returned 21.61%/yr vs 23.26%/yr for MEM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FNDE charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.79%/yr for MEM.

Performance

FNDE vs. MEM - 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 Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (MEM). 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 MEM's 28.39% 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%

MEM

• 1D: -1.34%
• 1M: 8.03%
• YTD: 28.39%
• 6M: 30.14%
• 1Y: 54.36%
• 3Y*: 23.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FNDE vs. MEM - 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%	5.41%
MEM Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	28.39%	28.31%	10.11%	6.92%	7.30%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDE and MEM is 0.88, 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	0.88
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 15, 2022	0.88

The correlation between FNDE and MEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDE vs. MEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDE	MEM
Financial Services	23.8%	24.6%
Technology	18.7%	37.5%
Energy	15.5%	2.9%
Basic Materials	13.6%	9.2%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	9.1%
Communication Services	6.6%	5.6%
Industrials	4.7%	8.9%
Consumer Defensive	3.1%	1.4%
Utilities	2.5%	-
Real Estate	1.5%	1.6%
Healthcare	0.5%	0.8%

Return for Risk

FNDE vs. MEM — 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

MEM

MEM Risk / Return Rank: 77
MEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
MEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
MEM Omega Ratio Rank: 78
MEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
MEM Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. MEM - 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 Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (MEM). 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	MEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.47	2.65	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.28	3.47	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.47	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.62	3.74	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.71	13.64	+0.08
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. MEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDE Sharpe Ratio is 2.47, which is comparable to the MEM Sharpe Ratio of 2.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDE and MEM, 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	MEM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.47	2.65	-0.17
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	1.14	-0.76

Drawdowns

FNDE vs. MEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDE drawdown since its inception was -43.55%, which is greater than MEM's maximum drawdown of -19.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDE and MEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDE	MEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.55%	-19.10%	-24.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.23%	-14.62%	+4.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.40%	-19.10%	+0.70%
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%	-1.34%	-0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.71%	-4.74%	-6.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	4.00%	-1.30%

Volatility

FNDE vs. MEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Large Company Index ETF (FNDE) is 5.34%, while Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF (MEM) has a volatility of 8.97%. This indicates that FNDE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDE	MEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.34%	8.97%	-3.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.30%	17.95%	-5.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.00%	20.65%	-5.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.91%	18.31%	-1.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.30%	18.31%	+0.99%

FNDE vs. MEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDE has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is lower than MEM's 0.79% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDE vs. MEM - Dividend Comparison

FNDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.62%, more than MEM's 2.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
MEM Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Active ETF	2.77%	3.56%	7.81%	0.01%	0.53%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDE and MEM in my portfolio?

FNDE and MEM have a correlation of 0.88, 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 MEM?

MEM has higher volatility (8.97%) compared to FNDE (5.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDE dropped -43.55% vs MEM's -19.10%.

Which ETF is better, FNDE or MEM?

On 3-year performance, MEM leads with 23.26% vs 21.61% for FNDE. On fees, FNDE is cheaper at 0.39% per year. 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 MEM?

Over the 3-year period, MEM has performed better with a 23.26% 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 MEM?

FNDE is cheaper with a 0.39% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for MEM.

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

FNDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.62%, compared with 2.77% for MEM.

What is the main difference between FNDE and MEM?

FNDE is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while MEM is Emerging Markets Diversified. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Matthews. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDE and 0.79% for MEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 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.