FNDE vs. VWIGX

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

FNDE (Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF) and VWIGX (Vanguard International Growth Fund Investor Shares) are both funds - FNDE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net), while VWIGX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard. FNDE is passively managed, while VWIGX is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, FNDE returned 10.04%/yr vs 9.87%/yr for VWIGX. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FNDE charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for VWIGX.

Performance

FNDE vs. VWIGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) and Vanguard International Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWIGX). 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 higher than VWIGX's 5.55% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FNDE having a 10.04% annualized return and VWIGX not far behind at 9.87%.

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%

VWIGX

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: 0.24%
• 6M: 2.30%
• YTD: 5.55%
• 1Y: 9.87%
• 3Y*: 10.79%
• 5Y*: -1.42%
• 10Y*: 9.87%

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

FNDE vs. VWIGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	13.31%	29.46%	12.10%	14.99%	-15.58%	14.41%	-2.77%	19.75%	-10.37%	26.77%
VWIGX Vanguard International Growth Fund Investor Shares	5.55%	19.96%	9.07%	14.65%	-30.86%	-11.18%	59.57%	31.36%	-12.68%	42.98%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDE and VWIGX is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.74

The correlation between FNDE and VWIGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.74 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDE vs. VWIGX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDE	VWIGX
Technology	22.7%	27.5%
Financial Services	22.4%	12.2%
Basic Materials	10.7%	2.6%
Energy	10.5%	1.9%
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	17.5%
Communication Services	5.5%	6.2%
Industrials	3.7%	13.3%
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	4.3%
Utilities	2.1%	0.5%
Real Estate	1.4%	-
Healthcare	1.1%	11.7%

Return for Risk

FNDE vs. VWIGX — 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

VWIGX

VWIGX Risk / Return Rank: 11
VWIGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
VWIGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
VWIGX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
VWIGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
VWIGX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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. VWIGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) and Vanguard International Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWIGX). 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	VWIGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	0.54	+1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.27	0.86	+1.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.11	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.63	0.73	+1.90
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.52	2.31	+6.21

FNDE vs. VWIGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is higher than the VWIGX Sharpe Ratio of 0.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDE and VWIGX, 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. VWIGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDE drawdown since its inception was -43.55%, smaller than the maximum VWIGX drawdown of -59.58%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDE and VWIGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDE	VWIGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.55%	-59.58%	+16.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.23%	-14.06%	+3.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.40%	-20.04%	+1.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-52.69%	+23.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.93%	-53.25%	+13.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.52%	-14.00%	+10.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.65%	-13.80%	+2.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.14%	4.42%	-1.28%

Volatility

FNDE vs. VWIGX - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) and Vanguard International Growth Fund Investor Shares (VWIGX) have volatilities of 5.15% and 5.07%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDE	VWIGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.15%	5.07%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.60%	15.76%	-2.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.99%	19.01%	-3.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.10%	23.43%	-6.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.13%	21.52%	-2.39%

FNDE vs. VWIGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDE has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than VWIGX's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDE vs. VWIGX - Dividend Comparison

FNDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.65%, less than VWIGX's 6.39% 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%
VWIGX Vanguard International Growth Fund Investor Shares	6.39%	6.74%	9.68%	1.82%	6.90%	2.36%	2.28%	1.20%	5.34%	0.84%	1.26%	1.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDE and VWIGX in my portfolio?

FNDE and VWIGX have a correlation of 0.78, 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 VWIGX?

FNDE has higher volatility (5.15%) compared to VWIGX (5.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDE dropped -43.55% vs VWIGX's -59.58%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 0.54), 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.