PFDE vs. FNDX

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

PFDE (Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF) and FNDX (Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PFDE is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Pathfinder, while FNDX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity US Large Index. PFDE is actively managed, while FNDX is passively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PFDE charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for FNDX.

Performance

PFDE vs. FNDX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF (PFDE) and Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF (FNDX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

PFDE

• 1D: -3.11%
• 1M: 0.37%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FNDX

• 1D: -1.66%
• 1M: 1.12%
• YTD: 13.43%
• 6M: 13.56%
• 1Y: 31.89%
• 3Y*: 20.40%
• 5Y*: 12.60%
• 10Y*: 14.02%

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

PFDE vs. FNDX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
PFDE Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF	9.27%
FNDX Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF	13.43%

Correlation

The correlation between PFDE and FNDX is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2026	0.70

Return for Risk

PFDE vs. FNDX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FNDX

FNDX Risk / Return Rank: 90
FNDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
FNDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
FNDX Omega Ratio Rank: 90
FNDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
FNDX Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

PFDE vs. FNDX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF (PFDE) and Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF (FNDX). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	PFDE	FNDX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.09	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.43	0.79	+0.64

Drawdowns

PFDE vs. FNDX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFDE drawdown since its inception was -10.37%, smaller than the maximum FNDX drawdown of -37.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFDE and FNDX.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFDE	FNDX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.37%	-37.72%	+27.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.06%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-16.30%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-19.06%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.72%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.75%	-1.66%	-2.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.04%	-3.55%	+1.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.55%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	PFDE	FNDX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	2.76%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.47%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.30%	10.36%	+5.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.30%	15.19%	+1.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.30%	17.50%	-1.20%

PFDE vs. FNDX - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFDE has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than FNDX's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFDE vs. FNDX - Dividend Comparison

PFDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, less than FNDX's 1.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNDX Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF	1.46%	1.63%	1.76%	1.82%	2.07%	1.64%	2.29%	2.23%	2.40%	1.86%	2.01%	2.01%
PFDE Pathfinder Disciplined U.S. Equity ETF	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFDE and FNDX in my portfolio?

PFDE and FNDX have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, PFDE or FNDX?

On fees, FNDX is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFDE or FNDX?

FNDX is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for PFDE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PFDE or FNDX?

FNDX has the higher dividend yield at 1.46%, compared with 0.11% for PFDE.

What is the main difference between PFDE and FNDX?

PFDE is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while FNDX is Large Cap Value Equities. They also come from different issuers: Pathfinder and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for PFDE and 0.25% for FNDX.