FNDF vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

FNDF (Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor 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 SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FNDF returned 12.19%/yr vs 38.18%/yr for SMH. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FNDF charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

FNDF vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FNDF achieves a 20.70% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 79.69% return. Over the past 10 years, FNDF has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 12.19%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 38.18% annualized return.

FNDF

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 3.80%
• YTD: 20.70%
• 6M: 21.89%
• 1Y: 42.83%
• 3Y*: 22.66%
• 5Y*: 13.47%
• 10Y*: 12.19%

SMH

• 1D: 4.38%
• 1M: 16.31%
• YTD: 79.69%
• 6M: 83.94%
• 1Y: 152.58%
• 3Y*: 62.32%
• 5Y*: 39.72%
• 10Y*: 38.18%

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

FNDF vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNDF Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF	20.70%	40.99%	2.29%	20.22%	-7.78%	14.97%	3.61%	18.46%	-14.21%	23.98%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	79.69%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDF and SMH is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.60

The correlation between FNDF and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDF vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDF	SMH
Financial Services	16.2%	-
Industrials	15.5%	-
Technology	14.4%	100.0%
Basic Materials	11.3%	-
Energy	10.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.5%	-
Healthcare	5.2%	-
Communication Services	4.9%	-
Utilities	3.5%	-
Real Estate	0.8%	-

Return for Risk

FNDF vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDF

FNDF Risk / Return Rank: 86
FNDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FNDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FNDF Omega Ratio Rank: 88
FNDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
FNDF Martin Ratio Rank: 83

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). 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	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.70	4.61	-1.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.49	4.60	-1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.65	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.06	10.28	-6.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.18	37.77	-22.59

FNDF vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDF Sharpe Ratio is 2.70, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDF and SMH, 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. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDF drawdown since its inception was -40.14%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDF and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDF	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.14%	-84.96%	+44.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.60%	-14.93%	+4.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	-35.74%	+21.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.56%	-45.30%	+19.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.14%	-45.30%	+5.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.09%	0.00%	-1.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.63%	-41.04%	+33.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	4.06%	-1.23%

Volatility

FNDF vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) is 6.70%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 16.71%. This indicates that FNDF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FNDF	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.70%	16.71%	-10.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.65%	27.97%	-14.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.00%	33.39%	-17.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.37%	35.53%	-19.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.71%	32.86%	-15.15%

FNDF vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDF has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FNDF vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

FNDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.85%, more than SMH's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNDF Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF	2.85%	3.44%	4.01%	3.41%	3.10%	3.54%	2.17%	3.20%	3.47%	2.32%	2.42%	2.08%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.17%	0.31%	0.44%	0.60%	1.18%	0.51%	0.69%	1.50%	1.88%	1.43%	0.80%	2.14%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FNDF and SMH in my portfolio?

FNDF and SMH have a correlation of 0.59, 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 SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (16.71%) compared to FNDF (6.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDF dropped -40.14% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, FNDF or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 38.18% vs 12.19% for FNDF. On fees, FNDF is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, FNDF has been the lower-risk option at 6.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDF or SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 38.18% return vs 12.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDF or SMH?

FNDF is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

FNDF has the higher dividend yield at 2.85%, compared with 0.17% for SMH.

What is the main difference between FNDF and SMH?

FNDF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. FNDF tracks RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Large Index (Net), while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for FNDF and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.61 vs 2.70), 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.