MFDX vs. FNDF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MFDX (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF) and FNDF (Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - MFDX tracks the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index while FNDF tracks the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Large Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MFDX returned 10.12%/yr vs 12.99%/yr for FNDF. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. MFDX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for FNDF.

Performance

MFDX vs. FNDF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) and Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MFDX achieves a 8.71% return, which is significantly lower than FNDF's 16.43% return.

MFDX

• 1D: -1.84%
• 1M: -0.99%
• YTD: 8.71%
• 6M: 8.44%
• 1Y: 22.39%
• 3Y*: 18.33%
• 5Y*: 10.12%
• 10Y*: —

FNDF

• 1D: -2.61%
• 1M: -1.37%
• YTD: 16.43%
• 6M: 16.74%
• 1Y: 39.04%
• 3Y*: 22.45%
• 5Y*: 12.99%
• 10Y*: 12.17%

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

MFDX vs. FNDF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	8.71%	34.27%	4.40%	17.54%	-10.27%	11.07%	6.90%	19.88%	-14.88%	7.07%
FNDF Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF	16.43%	40.99%	2.29%	20.22%	-7.78%	14.97%	3.61%	18.46%	-14.21%	7.68%

Correlation

The correlation between MFDX and FNDF 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	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 6, 2017	0.96

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

MFDX vs. FNDF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MFDX	FNDF
Industrials	19.6%	15.5%
Financial Services	16.5%	16.2%
Basic Materials	11.2%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	10.8%
Technology	7.8%	14.4%
Consumer Defensive	7.7%	6.5%
Communication Services	7.1%	4.9%
Energy	6.4%	10.9%
Utilities	6.1%	3.5%
Healthcare	5.8%	5.2%
Real Estate	2.9%	0.8%

Return for Risk

MFDX vs. FNDF — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFDX

MFDX Risk / Return Rank: 48
MFDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
MFDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
MFDX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
MFDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
MFDX Martin Ratio Rank: 51

FNDF

FNDF Risk / Return Rank: 76
FNDF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
FNDF Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FNDF Omega Ratio Rank: 78
FNDF Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
FNDF Martin Ratio Rank: 75

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.

MFDX vs. FNDF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) and Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF). 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.

	MFDX	FNDF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.58	2.43	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	3.16	-0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.44	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	3.70	-1.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.26	13.74	-5.48

MFDX vs. FNDF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.58, which is lower than the FNDF Sharpe Ratio of 2.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFDX and FNDF, 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

MFDX vs. FNDF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFDX drawdown since its inception was -36.05%, smaller than the maximum FNDF drawdown of -40.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFDX and FNDF.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFDX	FNDF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.05%	-40.14%	+4.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.66%	-10.60%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.62%	-13.89%	+2.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.58%	-25.56%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.14%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.75%	-4.59%	+1.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.47%	-7.62%	+1.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.72%	2.85%	-0.13%

Volatility

MFDX vs. FNDF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) is 4.94%, while Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) has a volatility of 6.77%. This indicates that MFDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FNDF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFDX	FNDF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.94%	6.77%	-1.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.11%	13.93%	-1.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.27%	16.16%	-1.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.11%	16.36%	-1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.43%	17.47%	-1.04%

MFDX vs. FNDF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFDX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than FNDF's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFDX vs. FNDF - Dividend Comparison

MFDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.82%, less than FNDF's 2.95% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNDF Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF	2.95%	3.44%	4.01%	3.41%	3.10%	3.54%	2.17%	3.20%	3.47%	2.32%	2.42%	2.08%
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	2.82%	2.97%	3.16%	3.12%	2.85%	2.99%	1.58%	2.88%	2.13%	0.71%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MFDX and FNDF in my portfolio?

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

FNDF has higher volatility (6.77%) compared to MFDX (4.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFDX dropped -36.05% vs FNDF's -40.14%.

Which ETF is better, MFDX or FNDF?

On 5-year performance, FNDF leads with 12.99% vs 10.12% for MFDX. On fees, FNDF is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, MFDX has been the lower-risk option at 4.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFDX or FNDF?

Over the 5-year period, FNDF has performed better with a 12.99% return vs 10.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFDX or FNDF?

FNDF is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for MFDX.

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

FNDF has the higher dividend yield at 2.95%, compared with 2.82% for MFDX.

What is the main difference between MFDX and FNDF?

MFDX tracks RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index, while FNDF tracks RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Large Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MFDX and 0.25% for FNDF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.58), 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.