FNDA vs SPY
Schwab Fundamental US Small Company ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FNDA delivered stronger 1-year returns. FNDA offers more diversification with 921 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNDA | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $9.4B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 921 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +19.11% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.12% | +21.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.37% | +21.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.92% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.9% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 15, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FNDA vs SPY Performance
Schwab Fundamental US Small Company ETF (FNDA) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FNDA returned +27.12% while SPY returned +21.82%. Year to date, FNDA is up 19.11% versus a gain of 12.68% for SPY.
Over three years, FNDA compounded at +16.37% per year against +21.98% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.92% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FNDA has the edge at +9.62% annualized vs +8.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNDA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -45.9% for FNDA and -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNDA charges 0.25% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $9 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNDA currently yields 1.12% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FNDA and SPY share 42 holdings out of 1376 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNDA or SPY?
FNDA has an expense ratio of 0.25% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNDA or SPY?
Over the past year FNDA returned +27.12% vs +21.82% for SPY, so FNDA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FNDA annualized +9.62% vs +8.81% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNDA or SPY?
FNDA has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FNDA -45.9% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FNDA and SPY?
FNDA and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNDA and SPY?
FNDA and SPY share 42 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1376 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNDA or SPY?
FNDA yields 1.12% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FNDA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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