GSSC vs. FNDA

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GSSC (Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF) and FNDA (Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GSSC is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Small Cap Equity Index, while FNDA is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell RAFI Small Company US. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, GSSC returned 8.08%/yr vs 7.85%/yr for FNDA. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GSSC charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for FNDA.

Performance

GSSC vs. FNDA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) and Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with GSSC having a 18.44% return and FNDA slightly lower at 17.58%.

GSSC

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 5.78%
• YTD: 18.44%
• 6M: 15.44%
• 1Y: 36.17%
• 3Y*: 18.57%
• 5Y*: 8.08%
• 10Y*: —

FNDA

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 17.58%
• 6M: 15.13%
• 1Y: 33.85%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: 7.85%
• 10Y*: 11.45%

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

GSSC vs. FNDA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GSSC Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF	18.44%	10.76%	11.14%	17.27%	-16.81%	24.13%	16.02%	23.14%	-9.24%	8.39%
FNDA Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF	17.58%	7.44%	9.00%	20.29%	-14.83%	31.12%	8.44%	24.34%	-12.12%	9.46%

Correlation

The correlation between GSSC and FNDA is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 29, 2017	0.95

The correlation between GSSC and FNDA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

GSSC vs. FNDA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GSSC	FNDA
Technology	18.2%	16.2%
Industrials	17.6%	19.3%
Healthcare	16.6%	7.1%
Financial Services	16.6%	14.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	12.2%
Energy	4.3%	5.5%
Real Estate	4.3%	9.8%
Basic Materials	3.9%	5.2%
Consumer Defensive	3.8%	3.9%
Communication Services	2.6%	4.0%
Utilities	2.1%	2.7%

Return for Risk

GSSC vs. FNDA — Risk / Return Rank

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

GSSC

GSSC Risk / Return Rank: 61
GSSC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
GSSC Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
GSSC Omega Ratio Rank: 52
GSSC Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
GSSC Martin Ratio Rank: 65

FNDA

FNDA Risk / Return Rank: 64
FNDA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
FNDA Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
FNDA Omega Ratio Rank: 56
FNDA Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
FNDA Martin Ratio Rank: 66

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.

GSSC vs. FNDA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) and Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA). 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.

	GSSC	FNDA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	1.96	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.80	-0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.34	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.44	3.63	-0.19
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.50	11.75	-0.25

GSSC vs. FNDA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GSSC Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is comparable to the FNDA Sharpe Ratio of 1.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GSSC and FNDA, 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

GSSC vs. FNDA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GSSC drawdown since its inception was -41.38%, smaller than the maximum FNDA drawdown of -44.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GSSC and FNDA.

Drawdown Indicators

	GSSC	FNDA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.38%	-44.64%	+3.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.56%	-9.36%	-1.20%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.05%	-25.92%	-0.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.81%	-25.92%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.67%	+0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.98%	-6.67%	-2.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.15%	2.89%	+0.26%

Volatility

GSSC vs. FNDA - Volatility Comparison

Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) has a higher volatility of 5.56% compared to Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF (FNDA) at 4.93%. This indicates that GSSC's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FNDA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GSSC	FNDA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.56%	4.93%	+0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.35%	12.20%	+1.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.91%	17.41%	+1.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.30%	20.89%	+0.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.01%	22.40%	+0.61%

GSSC vs. FNDA - Expense Ratio Comparison

GSSC has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than FNDA's 0.25% 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

GSSC vs. FNDA - Dividend Comparison

GSSC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than FNDA's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNDA Schwab Fundamental US Small Co. Index ETF	1.06%	1.22%	1.53%	1.37%	1.38%	1.15%	1.31%	1.38%	1.64%	1.30%	1.18%	1.33%
GSSC Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF	1.03%	1.17%	1.42%	1.33%	1.31%	1.00%	0.94%	1.24%	1.21%	0.73%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GSSC and FNDA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, GSSC and FNDA 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, GSSC or FNDA?

GSSC has higher volatility (5.56%) compared to FNDA (4.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GSSC dropped -41.38% vs FNDA's -44.64%.

Which ETF is better, GSSC or FNDA?

On 5-year performance, GSSC leads with 8.08% vs 7.85% for FNDA. On fees, GSSC is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, FNDA has been the lower-risk option at 4.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GSSC or FNDA?

Over the 5-year period, GSSC has performed better with a 8.08% return vs 7.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GSSC or FNDA?

GSSC is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for FNDA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GSSC or FNDA?

FNDA has the higher dividend yield at 1.06%, compared with 1.03% for GSSC.

What is the main difference between GSSC and FNDA?

GSSC is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while FNDA is Small Cap Blend Equities. GSSC tracks Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta U.S. Small Cap Equity Index, while FNDA tracks Russell RAFI Small Company US. They also come from different issuers: Goldman Sachs and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for GSSC and 0.25% for FNDA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.96 vs 1.93), 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.