SFNNX vs. VEA

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

SFNNX (Schwab Fundamental International Equity Index Fund) and VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) are both Foreign Large Cap Equities funds - SFNNX tracks the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Developed ex US Large Index (Net) while VEA tracks the FTSE Developed All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SFNNX returned 12.04%/yr vs 11.09%/yr for VEA. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SFNNX charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VEA.

Performance

SFNNX vs. VEA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental International Equity Index Fund (SFNNX) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SFNNX achieves a 15.98% return, which is significantly higher than VEA's 14.71% return. Over the past 10 years, SFNNX has outperformed VEA with an annualized return of 12.04%, while VEA has yielded a comparatively lower 11.09% annualized return.

SFNNX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -3.01%
• YTD: 15.98%
• 6M: 16.23%
• 1Y: 37.80%
• 3Y*: 22.31%
• 5Y*: 12.75%
• 10Y*: 12.04%

VEA

• 1D: 1.25%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 14.71%
• 6M: 14.32%
• 1Y: 31.05%
• 3Y*: 19.91%
• 5Y*: 9.74%
• 10Y*: 11.09%

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

SFNNX vs. VEA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SFNNX Schwab Fundamental International Equity Index Fund	15.98%	41.06%	2.27%	19.88%	-7.95%	14.38%	4.35%	18.09%	-13.96%	23.95%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	14.71%	35.16%	3.15%	17.93%	-15.34%	11.66%	9.71%	22.62%	-14.75%	26.42%

Correlation

The correlation between SFNNX and VEA is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2008	0.96

The correlation between SFNNX and VEA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SFNNX vs. VEA — Risk / Return Rank

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

SFNNX

SFNNX Risk / Return Rank: 82
SFNNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
SFNNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
SFNNX Omega Ratio Rank: 80
SFNNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
SFNNX Martin Ratio Rank: 81

VEA

VEA Risk / Return Rank: 65
VEA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VEA Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VEA Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VEA Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

SFNNX vs. VEA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental International Equity Index Fund (SFNNX) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA). 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.

	SFNNX	VEA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.43	1.86	+0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.13	2.53	+0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.34	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.52	2.68	+0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.78	10.30	+2.48

SFNNX vs. VEA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SFNNX Sharpe Ratio is 2.43, which is higher than the VEA Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SFNNX and VEA, 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

SFNNX vs. VEA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SFNNX drawdown since its inception was -59.60%, roughly equal to the maximum VEA drawdown of -60.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SFNNX and VEA.

Drawdown Indicators

	SFNNX	VEA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.60%	-60.68%	+1.08%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.63%	-11.63%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.78%	-13.45%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.66%	-29.71%	+4.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.23%	-35.73%	-4.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.56%	-1.70%	-2.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.94%	-13.25%	+1.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.92%	3.02%	-0.10%

Volatility

SFNNX vs. VEA - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Fundamental International Equity Index Fund (SFNNX) and Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) have volatilities of 6.63% and 6.94%, 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

	SFNNX	VEA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.63%	6.94%	-0.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.04%	14.77%	-1.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.46%	16.78%	-1.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.74%	16.77%	-1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.09%	17.20%	-0.11%

SFNNX vs. VEA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SFNNX has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VEA's 0.03% 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

SFNNX vs. VEA - Dividend Comparison

SFNNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.41%, more than VEA's 2.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SFNNX Schwab Fundamental International Equity Index Fund	4.41%	5.11%	3.61%	3.26%	2.92%	3.81%	2.42%	3.69%	3.51%	2.70%	3.21%	2.92%
VEA Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF	2.55%	3.22%	3.35%	3.15%	2.91%	3.16%	2.04%	3.04%	3.35%	2.77%	3.05%	2.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SFNNX and VEA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, SFNNX and VEA 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, SFNNX or VEA?

VEA has higher volatility (6.94%) compared to SFNNX (6.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SFNNX dropped -59.60% vs VEA's -60.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SFNNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.43 vs 1.86), 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.