FNDF vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FNDF (Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets 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 SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FNDF returned 12.34%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for SPEM. A 0.77 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FNDF charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

FNDF vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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 higher than SPEM's 11.32% return. Over the past 10 years, FNDF has outperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 12.34%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.63% annualized return.

FNDF

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 1.01%
• YTD: 19.66%
• 6M: 21.60%
• 1Y: 40.25%
• 3Y*: 22.69%
• 5Y*: 13.11%
• 10Y*: 12.34%

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.21%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 25.79%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

FNDF vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FNDF Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF	19.66%	40.99%	2.29%	20.22%	-7.78%	14.97%	3.61%	18.46%	-14.21%	23.98%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.32%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between FNDF and SPEM 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	0.76
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.77

The correlation between FNDF and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.78 - a consistent structural relationship.

FNDF vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FNDF	SPEM
Financial Services	16.7%	20.2%
Industrials	15.9%	8.5%
Energy	12.3%	4.7%
Basic Materials	11.3%	8.2%
Technology	11.1%	28.2%
Consumer Cyclical	10.7%	10.4%
Consumer Defensive	6.9%	3.9%
Healthcare	5.5%	4.0%
Communication Services	4.9%	7.2%
Utilities	3.8%	2.8%
Real Estate	0.9%	1.9%

Return for Risk

FNDF vs. SPEM — 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

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) 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.

	FNDF	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.53	1.55	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.30	2.16	+1.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.29	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.82	2.28	+1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.27	8.16	+6.11

FNDF vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FNDF Sharpe Ratio is 2.53, which is higher than the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FNDF 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

FNDF vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FNDF drawdown since its inception was -40.14%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FNDF and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	FNDF	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-40.14%	-64.41%	+24.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.60%	-11.36%	+0.76%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.89%	-17.62%	+3.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.56%	-31.75%	+6.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.14%	-36.06%	-4.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.94%	-2.40%	+0.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.63%	-14.73%	+7.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.84%	3.17%	-0.33%

Volatility

FNDF vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) have volatilities of 6.65% and 6.87%, 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

	FNDF	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.65%	6.87%	-0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.64%	14.21%	-0.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.00%	16.67%	-0.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.35%	17.26%	-0.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.71%	18.83%	-1.12%

FNDF vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

FNDF has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% expense ratio. However, 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. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

FNDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.87%, more than SPEM's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.49%	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 FNDF and SPEM in my portfolio?

FNDF and SPEM 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, FNDF or SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to FNDF (6.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FNDF dropped -40.14% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which ETF is better, FNDF or SPEM?

On 10-year performance, FNDF leads with 12.34% vs 9.63% for SPEM. On fees, SPEM is cheaper at 0.11% per year. On volatility, FNDF has been the lower-risk option at 6.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FNDF or SPEM?

Over the 10-year period, FNDF has performed better with a 12.34% return vs 9.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FNDF or SPEM?

SPEM is cheaper with a 0.11% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for FNDF.

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

FNDF has the higher dividend yield at 2.87%, compared with 2.49% for SPEM.

What is the main difference between FNDF and SPEM?

FNDF is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SPEM is Emerging Markets Equities. FNDF tracks RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Large Index (Net), while SPEM tracks S&P Emerging Markets BMI. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for FNDF and 0.11% for SPEM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 1.55), 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.