FNDE vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FNDE (Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both Emerging Markets Equities funds - FNDE tracks the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net) while SPEM tracks the S&P Emerging BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FNDE returned 11.02%/yr vs 9.62%/yr for SPEM. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FNDE charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

FNDE vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with FNDE having a 11.56% return and SPEM slightly lower at 11.15%. Over the past 10 years, FNDE has outperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 11.02%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.62% annualized return.

FNDE

• 1D: -2.50%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 11.56%
• 6M: 11.69%
• 1Y: 29.54%
• 3Y*: 19.89%
• 5Y*: 9.15%
• 10Y*: 11.02%

SPEM

• 1D: -3.05%
• 1M: 1.24%
• YTD: 11.15%
• 6M: 11.38%
• 1Y: 28.20%
• 3Y*: 18.16%
• 5Y*: 5.70%
• 10Y*: 9.62%

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

FNDE vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	11.56%	29.46%	12.10%	14.99%	-15.58%	14.41%	-2.77%	19.75%	-10.37%	26.77%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.15%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDE and SPEM is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.93

The correlation between FNDE and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDE vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDE	SPEM
Technology	22.3%	32.1%
Financial Services	16.8%	19.2%
Energy	10.6%	4.2%
Basic Materials	8.0%	8.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.9%	9.6%
Communication Services	3.6%	6.7%
Industrials	3.5%	8.3%
Utilities	1.9%	2.8%
Real Estate	1.5%	1.8%
Consumer Defensive	1.2%	3.6%
Healthcare	1.1%	3.7%

Return for Risk

FNDE vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDE

FNDE Risk / Return Rank: 59
FNDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
FNDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
FNDE Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FNDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
FNDE Martin Ratio Rank: 61

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 51
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 51
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.88	1.66	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.28	+0.23
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.31	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	2.49	+0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.42	8.92	+1.50

FNDE vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.88, which is comparable to the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDE and SPEM, 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. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDE drawdown since its inception was -43.55%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDE and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDE	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.55%	-64.41%	+20.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.23%	-11.36%	+1.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.40%	-17.62%	-0.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-31.75%	+2.31%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.93%	-36.06%	-3.87%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.01%	-3.05%	-1.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.67%	-14.72%	+3.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	3.17%	-0.33%

Volatility

FNDE vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) is 6.66%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 7.51%. This indicates that FNDE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDE	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.66%	7.51%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.44%	14.76%	-1.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.83%	17.03%	-1.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.07%	17.35%	-0.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.20%	18.80%	+0.40%

FNDE vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDE has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDE vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

FNDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.75%, more than SPEM's 2.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	3.75%	4.19%	4.82%	4.74%	5.59%	4.32%	2.50%	3.47%	2.98%	2.05%	1.65%	2.02%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.52%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDE and SPEM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, FNDE and SPEM 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 SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (7.51%) compared to FNDE (6.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDE dropped -43.55% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, FNDE or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, FNDE leads with 11.02% vs 9.62% for SPEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, FNDE has been the lower-risk option at 6.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDE or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, FNDE has performed better with a 11.02% return vs 9.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDE or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for FNDE.

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

FNDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.75%, compared with 2.52% for SPEM.

What is the main difference between FNDE and SPEM?

FNDE tracks RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net), while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FNDE and 0.07% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.66), 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.