Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FNDC returned +22.49% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, FNDC is up 14.11% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.

Over three years, FNDC compounded at +18.64% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.57% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FNDC has the edge at +6.93% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

FNDC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

FNDC charges 0.39% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $5 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNDC currently yields 3.72% against 2.60% for VXUS.