SFSNX vs. SPEM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SFSNX (Schwab Fundamental US Small Company Index Fund) and SPEM (SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF) are both funds - SFSNX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Charles Schwab, while SPEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets BMI. Over the past 10 years, SFSNX returned 11.20%/yr vs 9.63%/yr for SPEM. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SFSNX charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for SPEM.

Performance

SFSNX vs. SPEM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Fundamental US Small Company Index Fund (SFSNX) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SFSNX achieves a 17.14% return, which is significantly higher than SPEM's 11.32% return. Over the past 10 years, SFSNX has outperformed SPEM with an annualized return of 11.20%, while SPEM has yielded a comparatively lower 9.63% annualized return.

SFSNX

• 1D: 2.55%
• 1M: 4.00%
• YTD: 17.14%
• 6M: 14.64%
• 1Y: 34.12%
• 3Y*: 15.66%
• 5Y*: 7.28%
• 10Y*: 11.20%

SPEM

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 11.32%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 27.73%
• 3Y*: 17.37%
• 5Y*: 5.60%
• 10Y*: 9.63%

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

SFSNX vs. SPEM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SFSNX Schwab Fundamental US Small Company Index Fund	17.14%	7.66%	8.99%	20.15%	-14.79%	30.91%	8.49%	24.44%	-12.26%	12.84%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	11.32%	25.63%	11.40%	10.51%	-17.90%	1.51%	14.55%	19.69%	-13.26%	34.82%

Correlation

The correlation between SFSNX and SPEM is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2008	0.67

The correlation between SFSNX and SPEM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.67 - a consistent structural relationship.

SFSNX vs. SPEM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SFSNX	SPEM
Industrials	19.1%	8.3%
Technology	15.1%	32.1%
Financial Services	14.5%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	12.2%	9.6%
Real Estate	9.8%	1.8%
Healthcare	6.8%	3.7%
Energy	6.1%	4.2%
Basic Materials	5.2%	8.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	3.6%
Communication Services	4.2%	6.7%
Utilities	2.8%	2.8%

Return for Risk

SFSNX vs. SPEM — Risk / Return Rank

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

SFSNX

SFSNX Risk / Return Rank: 68
SFSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
SFSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
SFSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 54
SFSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
SFSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

SPEM

SPEM Risk / Return Rank: 52
SPEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
SPEM Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SPEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SPEM Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

SFSNX vs. SPEM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Fundamental US Small Company Index Fund (SFSNX) and SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM). 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.

	SFSNX	SPEM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.55	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	2.16	+0.47
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.29	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.36	2.28	+1.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.94	8.16	+2.78

SFSNX vs. SPEM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SFSNX Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the SPEM Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SFSNX and SPEM, 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

SFSNX vs. SPEM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SFSNX drawdown since its inception was -58.32%, smaller than the maximum SPEM drawdown of -64.41%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SFSNX and SPEM.

Drawdown Indicators

	SFSNX	SPEM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.32%	-64.41%	+6.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.43%	-11.36%	+1.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.91%	-17.62%	-8.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.91%	-31.75%	+5.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.82%	-36.06%	-8.76%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-2.40%	+2.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.30%	-14.73%	+6.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.89%	3.17%	-0.28%

Volatility

SFSNX vs. SPEM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Schwab Fundamental US Small Company Index Fund (SFSNX) is 5.25%, while SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF (SPEM) has a volatility of 6.87%. This indicates that SFSNX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SPEM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SFSNX	SPEM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.25%	6.87%	-1.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.32%	14.21%	-1.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.42%	16.67%	+0.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.86%	17.26%	+3.60%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.29%	18.83%	+4.46%

SFSNX vs. SPEM - Expense Ratio Comparison

SFSNX has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than SPEM's 0.11% 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

SFSNX vs. SPEM - Dividend Comparison

SFSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, less than SPEM's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SFSNX Schwab Fundamental US Small Company Index Fund	1.16%	1.36%	1.71%	1.37%	7.05%	12.27%	1.42%	3.66%	11.55%	6.88%	1.86%	6.37%
SPEM SPDR Portfolio Emerging Markets ETF	2.49%	2.77%	2.78%	2.80%	3.38%	3.14%	1.92%	2.94%	2.34%	1.12%	1.51%	2.40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SFSNX and SPEM in my portfolio?

SFSNX and SPEM have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SFSNX or SPEM?

SPEM has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to SFSNX (5.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SFSNX dropped -58.32% vs SPEM's -64.41%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SFSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.55), 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.