FNDF vs. AVUV

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

FNDF (Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF) and AVUV (Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FNDF is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Large Index (Net), while AVUV is a Small Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Avantis. FNDF is passively managed, while AVUV is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, FNDF returned 13.11%/yr vs 11.57%/yr for AVUV. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.25% expense ratio.

Performance

FNDF vs. AVUV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) and Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDF achieves a 19.66% return, which is significantly lower than AVUV's 22.73% return.

FNDF

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 0.88%
• YTD: 19.66%
• 6M: 21.60%
• 1Y: 41.60%
• 3Y*: 22.69%
• 5Y*: 13.11%
• 10Y*: 12.34%

AVUV

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 5.11%
• YTD: 22.73%
• 6M: 19.51%
• 1Y: 42.12%
• 3Y*: 19.24%
• 5Y*: 11.57%
• 10Y*: —

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

FNDF vs. AVUV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
FNDF Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF	19.66%	40.99%	2.29%	20.22%	-7.78%	14.97%	3.61%	7.64%
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	22.73%	7.44%	9.28%	22.82%	-4.91%	42.20%	6.43%	8.54%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDF and AVUV is 0.65, 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	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 26, 2019	0.74

The correlation between FNDF and AVUV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDF vs. AVUV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDF	AVUV
Financial Services	16.2%	26.1%
Industrials	15.5%	13.6%
Technology	14.4%	7.4%
Basic Materials	11.3%	5.1%
Energy	10.9%	15.8%
Consumer Cyclical	10.8%	18.7%
Consumer Defensive	6.5%	4.7%
Healthcare	5.2%	4.8%
Communication Services	4.9%	3.1%
Utilities	3.5%	0.1%
Real Estate	0.8%	0.7%

Return for Risk

FNDF vs. AVUV — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDF

FNDF Risk / Return Rank: 85
FNDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FNDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
FNDF Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FNDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
FNDF Martin Ratio Rank: 82

AVUV

AVUV Risk / Return Rank: 84
AVUV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 83
AVUV Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
AVUV Omega Ratio Rank: 77
AVUV Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
AVUV Martin Ratio Rank: 85

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.

FNDF vs. AVUV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) and Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV). 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.

	FNDF	AVUV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.53	2.28	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.30	3.24	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.39	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.82	5.06	-1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.27	15.09	-0.82

FNDF vs. AVUV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDF Sharpe Ratio is 2.53, which is comparable to the AVUV Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDF and AVUV, 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

FNDF vs. AVUV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDF drawdown since its inception was -40.14%, smaller than the maximum AVUV drawdown of -49.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDF and AVUV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDF	AVUV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.14%	-49.42%	+9.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.60%	-7.95%	-2.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	-28.79%	+14.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.56%	-28.79%	+3.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.94%	0.00%	-1.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.63%	-7.91%	+0.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	2.67%	+0.17%

Volatility

FNDF vs. AVUV - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) has a higher volatility of 6.65% compared to Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF (AVUV) at 4.53%. This indicates that FNDF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than AVUV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDF	AVUV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.65%	4.53%	+2.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.64%	11.34%	+2.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.00%	17.63%	-1.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.35%	22.75%	-6.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.71%	28.26%	-10.55%

FNDF vs. AVUV - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FNDF and AVUV have an expense ratio of 0.25%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FNDF vs. AVUV - Dividend Comparison

FNDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.87%, more than AVUV's 1.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVUV Avantis US Small Cap Value ETF	1.61%	1.58%	1.61%	1.65%	1.74%	1.28%	1.21%	0.38%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FNDF Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF	2.87%	3.44%	4.01%	3.41%	3.10%	3.54%	2.17%	3.20%	3.47%	2.32%	2.42%	2.08%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDF and AVUV in my portfolio?

FNDF and AVUV have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FNDF or AVUV?

FNDF has higher volatility (6.65%) compared to AVUV (4.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDF dropped -40.14% vs AVUV's -49.42%.

Which ETF is better, FNDF or AVUV?

On 5-year performance, FNDF leads with 13.11% vs 11.57% for AVUV. Both ETFs have the same 0.25% expense ratio. On volatility, AVUV has been the lower-risk option at 4.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDF or AVUV?

Over the 5-year period, FNDF has performed better with a 13.11% return vs 11.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDF or AVUV?

FNDF and AVUV have the same expense ratio: 0.25% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FNDF or AVUV?

FNDF has the higher dividend yield at 2.87%, compared with 1.61% for AVUV.

What is the main difference between FNDF and AVUV?

FNDF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while AVUV is Small Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Avantis.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 2.28), 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.