FNDA vs VYM
Schwab Fundamental US Small Company ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FNDA delivered stronger 1-year returns. FNDA offers more diversification with 938 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNDA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $9.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 938 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +21.35% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.81% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.60% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.06% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 15, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FNDA vs VYM Performance
Schwab Fundamental US Small Company ETF (FNDA) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FNDA returned +26.81% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, FNDA is up 21.35% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, FNDA compounded at +15.60% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.06% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FNDA has the edge at +9.80% annualized vs +7.11%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNDA charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNDA currently yields 1.10% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FNDA and VYM share 182 holdings out of 1291 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNDA or VYM?
FNDA has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNDA or VYM?
Over the past year FNDA returned +26.81% vs +24.43% for VYM, so FNDA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FNDA annualized +9.80% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNDA or VYM?
FNDA has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FNDA -45.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FNDA and VYM?
FNDA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNDA and VYM?
FNDA and VYM share 182 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1291 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNDA or VYM?
FNDA yields 1.10% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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