SAIA vs. FNDF

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SAIA (Saia, Inc.) is a stock, while FNDF (Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF) is Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Large Index (Net). Over the past 10 years, SAIA returned 34.25%/yr vs 12.34%/yr for FNDF. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

SAIA vs. FNDF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Saia, Inc. (SAIA) 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, SAIA achieves a 47.88% return, which is significantly higher than FNDF's 19.66% return. Over the past 10 years, SAIA has outperformed FNDF with an annualized return of 34.25%, while FNDF has yielded a comparatively lower 12.34% annualized return.

SAIA

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: 5.13%
• YTD: 47.88%
• 6M: 39.94%
• 1Y: 85.14%
• 3Y*: 15.84%
• 5Y*: 18.61%
• 10Y*: 34.25%

FNDF

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 0.88%
• YTD: 19.66%
• 6M: 21.60%
• 1Y: 41.60%
• 3Y*: 22.69%
• 5Y*: 13.11%
• 10Y*: 12.34%

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

SAIA vs. FNDF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SAIA Saia, Inc.	47.88%	-28.35%	4.00%	108.99%	-37.79%	86.41%	94.16%	66.82%	-21.10%	60.25%
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%

Correlation

The correlation between SAIA and FNDF is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.42

The correlation between SAIA and FNDF shifts across timeframes, from 0.35 (3 years) to 0.45 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SAIA vs. FNDF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SAIA

SAIA Risk / Return Rank: 85
SAIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
SAIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
SAIA Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SAIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 87
SAIA Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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

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.

SAIA vs. FNDF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Saia, Inc. (SAIA) 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.

	SAIA	FNDF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.80	2.53	-0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	3.30	-0.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.45	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.46	3.82	-0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.08	14.27	-5.19

SAIA vs. FNDF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SAIA Sharpe Ratio is 1.80, which is comparable to the FNDF Sharpe Ratio of 2.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SAIA 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

SAIA vs. FNDF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SAIA drawdown since its inception was -80.35%, which is greater than FNDF's maximum drawdown of -40.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SAIA and FNDF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SAIA	FNDF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-80.35%	-40.14%	-40.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.92%	-10.60%	-14.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-60.94%	-13.89%	-47.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-60.94%	-25.56%	-35.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-60.94%	-40.14%	-20.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.31%	-1.94%	-18.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.96%	-7.63%	-21.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.47%	2.84%	+6.63%

Volatility

SAIA vs. FNDF - Volatility Comparison

Saia, Inc. (SAIA) has a higher volatility of 11.47% compared to Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) at 6.65%. This indicates that SAIA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FNDF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SAIA	FNDF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.47%	6.65%	+4.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.98%	13.64%	+21.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	47.97%	16.00%	+31.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.37%	16.35%	+35.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	45.75%	17.71%	+28.04%

Dividends

SAIA vs. FNDF - Dividend Comparison

SAIA has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FNDF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.87%.

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%
SAIA Saia, Inc.	0.00%	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 SAIA and FNDF in my portfolio?

SAIA and FNDF have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SAIA or FNDF?

SAIA has higher volatility (11.47%) compared to FNDF (6.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SAIA dropped -80.35% vs FNDF's -40.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.53 vs 1.80), 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.