FNDF vs VYM
Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, FNDF or VYM?
Each has led over a different period.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FNDF led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VYM over the full window. FNDF is less concentrated, with 15.0% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 26.1%.
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 | FNDF | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $26.2B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 906 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +19.92%Best | +11.35% |
| 1Y Return | +31.89%Best | +15.34% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.65%Best | +17.22% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.89%Best | +12.30% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 13.4%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -44.0% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $20,018Best | $17,861 |
| Top 10 Weight | 15.0%Best | 26.1% |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Aug 15, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 15, 2013 to Sep 18, 2026 (13.1 years).
FNDF vs VYM 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.
FNDF vs VYM Performance
Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF (FNDF) is an ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FNDF returned +31.89% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, FNDF is up 19.92% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Over three years, FNDF compounded at +22.65% per year against +17.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +14.89% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.39% annualized vs +7.60%.
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 13.4% 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 -44.0% for FNDF and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNDF 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, FNDF currently yields 2.94% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
1.0% of FNDF's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 1.0% of VYM's money is in holdings FNDF also owns.
VYM and FNDF share little of their money.
7 positions in common, counted across the 868 positions we hold weights for in FNDF and 557 in VYM, against full books of 906 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 522 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for FNDF (96.1% of the fund), and 14 for FNDF that do not appear in VYM (1.9%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FNDF | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDTMedtronic Plc Ordinary Shares | 0.17% | 0.44% | 0.27% |
| ALVAllianz Ag | 0.56% | 0.04% | 0.52% |
| NXPINxp Semiconductors Nv Sedol B505Pn7 | 0.10% | 0.24% | 0.14% |
| GRMNGarminltd. | 0.07% | 0.20% | 0.13% |
| TIGO:LUMillicom International Cellular Sa Common Stock | 0.05% | 0.04% | 0.01% |
| ALLEAllegion Plc | 0.02% | 0.05% | 0.03% |
| PRGOPerrigo Company Plc Ordinary Shares | 0.00% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FNDF and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNDF or VYM?
FNDF has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $21 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FNDF or VYM?
Over the past year FNDF returned +31.89% vs +15.34% for VYM, so FNDF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FNDF annualized +7.60% vs +9.39% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FNDF or VYM?
FNDF has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 13.4% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FNDF -44.0% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both FNDF and VYM?
FNDF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between FNDF and VYM?
1.0% of VYM's money is in holdings FNDF also owns. 1.0% of VYM's is in holdings FNDF also owns. They hold 7 positions in common, counted across the 868 positions we hold weights for in FNDF and 557 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNDF or VYM?
FNDF yields 2.94% while VYM yields 2.22%, so FNDF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than FNDF?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. FNDF led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VYM over the full window. FNDF is less concentrated, with 15.0% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 26.1%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.