FNDF vs. DFIV

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FNDF (Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF) and DFIV (Dimensional International Value ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds. FNDF is passively managed, while DFIV is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FNDF returned 23.53%/yr vs 23.86%/yr for DFIV. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FNDF charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFIV.

Performance

FNDF vs. DFIV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDF achieves a 19.55% return, which is significantly higher than DFIV's 11.48% return.

FNDF

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 1.27%
• YTD: 19.55%
• 6M: 20.57%
• 1Y: 43.50%
• 3Y*: 23.53%
• 5Y*: 13.79%
• 10Y*: 12.46%

DFIV

• 1D: 0.36%
• 1M: -0.05%
• YTD: 11.48%
• 6M: 11.84%
• 1Y: 35.09%
• 3Y*: 23.86%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FNDF vs. DFIV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FNDF Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF	19.55%	40.99%	2.29%	20.22%	-7.78%	0.32%
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	11.48%	45.36%	7.26%	17.75%	-3.70%	0.50%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDF and DFIV is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2021	0.97

The correlation between FNDF and DFIV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDF vs. DFIV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDF	DFIV
Financial Services	16.2%	32.4%
Industrials	15.5%	9.8%
Technology	14.4%	3.2%
Basic Materials	11.3%	11.4%
Energy	10.9%	15.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.8%	10.0%
Consumer Defensive	6.5%	4.9%
Healthcare	5.2%	4.9%
Communication Services	4.9%	4.3%
Utilities	3.5%	2.2%
Real Estate	0.8%	1.7%

Return for Risk

FNDF vs. DFIV — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDF

FNDF Risk / Return Rank: 84
FNDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
FNDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FNDF Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FNDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
FNDF Martin Ratio Rank: 81

DFIV

DFIV Risk / Return Rank: 78
DFIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
DFIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
DFIV Omega Ratio Rank: 80
DFIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
DFIV Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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. DFIV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) and Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV). 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	DFIV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.75	2.51	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.55	3.42	+0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.45	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.13	3.65	+0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.38	14.00	+1.38

FNDF vs. DFIV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDF Sharpe Ratio is 2.75, which is comparable to the DFIV Sharpe Ratio of 2.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDF and DFIV, 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. DFIV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDF drawdown since its inception was -40.14%, which is greater than DFIV's maximum drawdown of -25.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDF and DFIV.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDF	DFIV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.14%	-25.42%	-14.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.60%	-9.66%	-0.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	-14.72%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.56%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.03%	-1.07%	-0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.62%	-4.45%	-3.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	2.51%	+0.33%

Volatility

FNDF vs. DFIV - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) has a higher volatility of 6.27% compared to Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) at 4.14%. This indicates that FNDF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFIV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDF	DFIV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.27%	4.14%	+2.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.65%	11.44%	+2.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.95%	14.06%	+1.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.32%	16.63%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.67%	16.63%	+1.04%

FNDF vs. DFIV - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDF has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than DFIV's 0.27% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FNDF vs. DFIV - Dividend Comparison

FNDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.88%, more than DFIV's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFIV Dimensional International Value ETF	2.55%	2.92%	3.88%	3.93%	3.84%	2.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FNDF Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF	2.88%	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 DFIV in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, FNDF and DFIV 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, FNDF or DFIV?

FNDF has higher volatility (6.27%) compared to DFIV (4.14%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDF dropped -40.14% vs DFIV's -25.42%.

Which ETF is better, FNDF or DFIV?

On 3-year performance, DFIV leads with 23.86% vs 23.53% for FNDF. On fees, FNDF is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, DFIV has been the lower-risk option at 4.14%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDF or DFIV?

Over the 3-year period, DFIV has performed better with a 23.86% return vs 23.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDF or DFIV?

FNDF is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.27% for DFIV.

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

FNDF has the higher dividend yield at 2.88%, compared with 2.55% for DFIV.

What is the main difference between FNDF and DFIV?

They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for FNDF and 0.27% for DFIV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.75 vs 2.51), 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.