SWISX vs. FMDE

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

SWISX (Schwab International Index Fund) and FMDE (Fidelity Enhanced Mid Cap ETF) are both funds - SWISX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Index (Net), while FMDE is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity. SWISX is passively managed, while FMDE is actively managed. Over the past year, SWISX returned 21.21% vs 16.99% for FMDE. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SWISX charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.23%/yr for FMDE.

Performance

SWISX vs. FMDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) and Fidelity Enhanced Mid Cap ETF (FMDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SWISX achieves a 9.51% return, which is significantly lower than FMDE's 11.31% return.

SWISX

• 1D: -0.47%
• 1M: -0.98%
• 6M: 5.57%
• YTD: 9.51%
• 1Y: 21.21%
• 3Y*: 15.35%
• 5Y*: 9.18%
• 10Y*: 9.48%
• ALL TIME*: 5.80%

FMDE

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.40%
• 6M: 7.79%
• YTD: 11.31%
• 1Y: 16.99%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 20.92%

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

SWISX vs. FMDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	9.51%	31.59%	3.54%	6.29%
FMDE Fidelity Enhanced Mid Cap ETF	11.31%	12.19%	21.76%	9.09%

Correlation

The correlation between SWISX and FMDE is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 20, 2023	0.70

The correlation between SWISX and FMDE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.70 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

SWISX vs. FMDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SWISX	FMDE
Financial Services	24.1%	12.3%
Industrials	19.8%	18.0%
Technology	12.0%	22.7%
Healthcare	9.0%	10.2%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	10.8%
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	2.1%
Basic Materials	6.4%	4.3%
Communication Services	4.9%	2.4%
Utilities	3.8%	4.9%
Energy	3.8%	5.6%
Real Estate	1.8%	5.6%

Return for Risk

SWISX vs. FMDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

SWISX

SWISX Risk / Return Rank: 35
SWISX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
SWISX Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
SWISX Omega Ratio Rank: 33
SWISX Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
SWISX Martin Ratio Rank: 38

FMDE

FMDE Risk / Return Rank: 51
FMDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
FMDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
FMDE Omega Ratio Rank: 44
FMDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 54
FMDE Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

SWISX vs. FMDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) and Fidelity Enhanced Mid Cap ETF (FMDE). 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.

	SWISX	FMDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.25	+0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.91	1.83	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.22	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	2.05	-0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.84	8.05	-1.21

SWISX vs. FMDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SWISX Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is comparable to the FMDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SWISX and FMDE, 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

SWISX vs. FMDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SWISX drawdown since its inception was -60.65%, which is greater than FMDE's maximum drawdown of -21.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SWISX and FMDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	SWISX	FMDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.65%	-21.10%	-39.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.39%	-8.33%	-3.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.68%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.42%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.83%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.96%	-0.84%	-1.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.75%	-2.55%	-12.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.05%	2.12%	+0.93%

Volatility

SWISX vs. FMDE - Volatility Comparison

Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) has a higher volatility of 4.28% compared to Fidelity Enhanced Mid Cap ETF (FMDE) at 2.62%. This indicates that SWISX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FMDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SWISX	FMDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.28%	2.62%	+1.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.40%	10.42%	+2.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.84%	13.73%	+2.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.40%	16.01%	+0.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.60%	16.01%	+0.59%

SWISX vs. FMDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

SWISX has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than FMDE's 0.23% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SWISX vs. FMDE - Dividend Comparison

SWISX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.24%, more than FMDE's 1.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FMDE Fidelity Enhanced Mid Cap ETF	1.09%	1.23%	1.11%	0.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SWISX Schwab International Index Fund	3.24%	3.55%	3.29%	3.31%	2.73%	3.34%	1.88%	3.09%	3.15%	2.71%	3.19%	2.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SWISX and FMDE in my portfolio?

SWISX and FMDE have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SWISX or FMDE?

SWISX has higher volatility (4.28%) compared to FMDE (2.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SWISX dropped -60.65% vs FMDE's -21.10%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SWISX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.32 vs 1.25), 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.