FFEM vs SCHD
Fidelity Fundamental Emerging Markets ETF vs Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
SCHD has a lower expense ratio. FFEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. FFEM offers more diversification with 118 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FFEM | SCHD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $62M | $108.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 3.13% | |
| Holdings | 118 | 104 | |
| YTD Return | +22.14% | +26.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.25% | +30.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +16.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.3% | -33.4% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Charles Schwab Asset Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2024 | Oct 20, 2011 |
FFEM vs SCHD Performance
Fidelity Fundamental Emerging Markets ETF (FFEM) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year FFEM returned +43.25% while SCHD returned +30.90%. Year to date, FFEM is up 22.14% versus a gain of 26.54% for SCHD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FFEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -16.3% for FFEM and -33.4% for SCHD. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFEM charges 0.60% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $6 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFEM currently yields 1.26% against 3.13% for SCHD.
Holdings Overlap
FFEM and SCHD share 0 holdings out of 206 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FFEM or SCHD?
FFEM has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FFEM or SCHD?
Over the past year FFEM returned +43.25% vs +30.90% for SCHD, so FFEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FFEM annualized +36.68% vs +11.51% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FFEM or SCHD?
FFEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: FFEM -16.3% vs SCHD -33.4%.
Should I hold both FFEM and SCHD?
FFEM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FFEM and SCHD?
FFEM and SCHD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 206 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FFEM or SCHD?
FFEM yields 1.26% while SCHD yields 3.13%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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