Schwab Fundamental Emerging Markets Equity ETF (FNDE) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FNDE returned +28.51% while VWO returned +22.77%. Year to date, FNDE is up 13.26% versus a gain of 9.38% for VWO.

Over three years, FNDE compounded at +20.16% per year against +16.38% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.56% and +6.32% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, FNDE has the edge at +5.88% annualized vs +4.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 17.6% for FNDE. 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 -45.4% for FNDE and -68.3% for VWO. 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

FNDE charges 0.39% per year while VWO charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $6 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNDE currently yields 3.78% against 2.37% for VWO.