FNDC vs VXUS
Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Which is better, FNDC or VXUS?
Mid Cap Value against Large Cap Blend.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FNDC led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNDC | VXUS |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.05%Best |
| AUM | $3.2B | $158.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.51% | 2.51% |
| Holdings | 1,591 | 8,747 |
| YTD Return | +12.82%Tie | +12.82%Tie |
| 1Y Return | +16.65% | +19.86%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.88% | +19.33%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.25% | +9.46%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2% | -39.9%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,864 | $15,714Best |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Value | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 15, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 15, 2013 to Sep 18, 2026 (13.1 years).
FNDC vs VXUS growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 13.1 years both funds cover.
FNDC vs VXUS Performance
Schwab Fundamental International Small Equity ETF (FNDC) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FNDC returned +16.65% while VXUS returned +19.86%. Year to date, FNDC is up 12.82% versus a gain of 12.82% for VXUS.
Over three years, FNDC compounded at +18.88% per year against +19.33% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.25% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FNDC has the edge at +6.78% annualized vs +5.77%.
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 14.5% 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 what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
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 3.51% against 2.51% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
At least 76.9% of FNDC's money is in holdings VXUS also owns.
Stated as a floor: for VXUS, our book for it covers 88.8% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
Most of FNDC is already inside VXUS. Owning both mostly buys the same companies twice.
1,178 positions in common, counted across the 1,548 positions we hold weights for in FNDC and 8,082 in VXUS, against full books of 1,591 and 8,747.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FNDC | Weight in VXUS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5930:JPBunka Shutter Co Ltd | 0.02% | 1.80% | 1.78% |
| 4062:JPIbiden Co Ltd | 0.45% | 0.06% | 0.39% |
| AIR:NZAir New Zealand Ltd | 0.01% | 0.31% | 0.30% |
| 047040:KRDaewoo Engineering & Construction | 0.30% | 0.00% | 0.30% |
| TSEM:ILTower Semiconductor Ltd Ordinary Shares | 0.23% | 0.06% | 0.17% |
| HBANHuntington Bancshares Inc./Oh | 0.22% | 0.05% | 0.17% |
| CLS:CACelestica Inc. Common Stock | 0.17% | 0.08% | 0.09% |
| EZJ:LNEasyjet Plc | 0.23% | 0.01% | 0.22% |
| BTE:CABaytex Energy Corp | 0.22% | 0.01% | 0.21% |
| 6360:KRGs Engineering & Construction Corp | 0.23% | 0.00% | 0.23% |
76.9% of FNDC is already inside VXUS.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNDC or VXUS?
FNDC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option, by $34 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FNDC or VXUS?
Over the past year FNDC returned +16.65% vs +19.86% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FNDC annualized +6.78% vs +5.77% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FNDC or VXUS?
FNDC has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.5% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: FNDC -46.2% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both FNDC and VXUS?
FNDC and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. What is left to separate them is the fee and the index each one tracks. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FNDC and VXUS?
At least 76.9% of FNDC's money is in holdings VXUS also owns. Our book for VXUS is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 1,178 positions in common, counted across the 1,548 positions we hold weights for in FNDC and 8,082 in VXUS.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNDC or VXUS?
FNDC yields 3.51% while VXUS yields 2.51%, so FNDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VXUS better than FNDC?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. FNDC led over the full window, VXUS over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. The two have moved almost in lockstep, correlation 0.96. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.