FNDC vs SPY
Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. FNDC offers more diversification with 1332 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNDC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.72% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1,611 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.24% | +22.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +21.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.25% | +13.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 15, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FNDC vs SPY Performance
Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC) 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 FNDC returned +22.24% while SPY returned +22.52%. Year to date, FNDC is up 13.80% versus a gain of 13.39% for SPY.
Over three years, FNDC compounded at +18.69% per year against +21.36% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +8.25% and +13.19% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +6.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNDC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -46.2% for FNDC 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNDC charges 0.39% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $9 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNDC currently yields 3.72% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FNDC and SPY share 4 holdings out of 1831 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNDC or SPY?
FNDC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNDC or SPY?
Over the past year FNDC returned +22.24% vs +22.52% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FNDC annualized +6.90% vs +8.84% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNDC or SPY?
FNDC has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FNDC -46.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FNDC and SPY?
FNDC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNDC and SPY?
FNDC and SPY share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1831 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNDC or SPY?
FNDC yields 3.72% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FNDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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