VONG vs. FNDE

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) and FNDE (Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VONG is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Growth Index, while FNDE is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net). Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VONG returned 18.37%/yr vs 10.87%/yr for FNDE. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VONG charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.39%/yr for FNDE.

Performance

VONG vs. FNDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) and Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VONG achieves a 1.40% return, which is significantly lower than FNDE's 10.04% return. Over the past 10 years, VONG has outperformed FNDE with an annualized return of 18.37%, while FNDE has yielded a comparatively lower 10.87% annualized return.

VONG

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -4.14%
• YTD: 1.40%
• 6M: -0.13%
• 1Y: 16.17%
• 3Y*: 21.82%
• 5Y*: 12.99%
• 10Y*: 18.37%

FNDE

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: -2.19%
• YTD: 10.04%
• 6M: 10.13%
• 1Y: 25.37%
• 3Y*: 19.34%
• 5Y*: 8.81%
• 10Y*: 10.87%

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

VONG vs. FNDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	1.40%	18.45%	33.20%	42.67%	-29.18%	27.60%	38.30%	36.06%	-1.53%	30.05%
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	10.04%	29.46%	12.10%	14.99%	-15.58%	14.41%	-2.77%	19.75%	-10.37%	26.77%

Correlation

The correlation between VONG and FNDE is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 15, 2013	0.59

The correlation between VONG and FNDE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

VONG vs. FNDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VONG	FNDE
Technology	54.1%	22.3%
Consumer Cyclical	12.5%	7.9%
Communication Services	12.0%	3.6%
Healthcare	6.9%	1.1%
Industrials	4.9%	3.5%
Financial Services	4.8%	16.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.5%	1.2%
Utilities	1.0%	1.9%
Real Estate	0.4%	1.5%
Energy	0.4%	10.6%
Basic Materials	0.3%	8.0%

Return for Risk

VONG vs. FNDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VONG

VONG Risk / Return Rank: 27
VONG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VONG Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VONG Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VONG Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
VONG Martin Ratio Rank: 26

FNDE

FNDE Risk / Return Rank: 53
FNDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
FNDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
FNDE Omega Ratio Rank: 52
FNDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FNDE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

VONG vs. FNDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) and Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE). 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.

	VONG	FNDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	1.61	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.44	2.19	-0.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.30	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.00	2.49	-1.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.25	8.86	-5.61

VONG vs. FNDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VONG Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is lower than the FNDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VONG and FNDE, 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

VONG vs. FNDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VONG drawdown since its inception was -32.72%, smaller than the maximum FNDE drawdown of -43.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VONG and FNDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	VONG	FNDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.72%	-43.55%	+10.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.23%	-10.23%	-6.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.27%	-18.40%	-4.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.72%	-29.44%	-3.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.72%	-39.93%	+7.21%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.96%	-6.30%	-0.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.88%	-11.67%	+6.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.99%	2.87%	+2.12%

Volatility

VONG vs. FNDE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is 6.02%, while Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) has a volatility of 6.78%. This indicates that VONG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FNDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VONG	FNDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.02%	6.78%	-0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.51%	13.52%	-1.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.14%	15.88%	+0.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.45%	17.08%	+4.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.91%	19.21%	+1.70%

VONG vs. FNDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

VONG has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than FNDE's 0.39% expense ratio.

Dividends

VONG vs. FNDE - Dividend Comparison

VONG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.47%, less than FNDE's 3.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FNDE Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF	3.80%	4.19%	4.82%	4.74%	5.59%	4.32%	2.50%	3.47%	2.98%	2.05%	1.65%	2.02%
VONG Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF	0.47%	0.45%	0.55%	0.71%	0.98%	0.58%	0.77%	1.03%	1.18%	1.19%	1.48%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VONG and FNDE in my portfolio?

VONG and FNDE have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VONG or FNDE?

FNDE has higher volatility (6.78%) compared to VONG (6.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VONG dropped -32.72% vs FNDE's -43.55%.

Which ETF is better, VONG or FNDE?

On 10-year performance, VONG leads with 18.37% vs 10.87% for FNDE. On fees, VONG is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VONG has been the lower-risk option at 6.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VONG or FNDE?

Over the 10-year period, VONG has performed better with a 18.37% return vs 10.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VONG or FNDE?

VONG is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for FNDE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VONG or FNDE?

FNDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.80%, compared with 0.47% for VONG.

What is the main difference between VONG and FNDE?

VONG is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while FNDE is Emerging Markets Equities. VONG tracks Russell 1000 Growth Index, while FNDE tracks RAFI Fundamental High Liquidity Emerging Markets Index (Net). They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Charles Schwab. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VONG and 0.39% for FNDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FNDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.61 vs 1.01), 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.