FNDF vs SPY
Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FNDF delivered stronger 1-year returns. FNDF offers more diversification with 893 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNDF | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $25.8B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.01% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 893 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +21.47% | +13.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.91% | +19.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.72% | +21.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.71% | +12.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 15, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FNDF vs SPY Performance
Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) 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 FNDF returned +35.91% while SPY returned +19.87%. Year to date, FNDF is up 21.47% versus a gain of 13.21% for SPY.
Over three years, FNDF compounded at +23.72% per year against +21.16% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +14.71% and +12.74% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.82% annualized vs +7.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNDF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -44.0% for FNDF 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNDF 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, FNDF currently yields 3.01% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FNDF and SPY share 9 holdings out of 1367 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNDF or SPY?
FNDF 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, FNDF or SPY?
Over the past year FNDF returned +35.91% vs +19.87% for SPY, so FNDF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FNDF annualized +7.74% vs +8.82% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNDF or SPY?
FNDF has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: FNDF -44.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FNDF and SPY?
FNDF and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNDF and SPY?
FNDF and SPY share 9 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1367 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNDF or SPY?
FNDF yields 3.01% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FNDF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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