BRK-B vs. FXAIX

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

BRK-B (Berkshire Hathaway Inc.) is a stock, while FXAIX (Fidelity 500 Index Fund) is S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B returned 13.22%/yr vs 15.44%/yr for FXAIX. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

BRK-B vs. FXAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BRK-B achieves a -2.67% return, which is significantly lower than FXAIX's 8.59% return. Over the past 10 years, BRK-B has underperformed FXAIX with an annualized return of 13.22%, while FXAIX has yielded a comparatively higher 15.44% annualized return.

BRK-B

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: 0.77%
• YTD: -2.67%
• 6M: -2.06%
• 1Y: -0.22%
• 3Y*: 13.30%
• 5Y*: 11.27%
• 10Y*: 13.22%

FXAIX

• 1D: 1.76%
• 1M: -0.55%
• YTD: 8.59%
• 6M: 8.94%
• 1Y: 23.79%
• 3Y*: 21.06%
• 5Y*: 13.34%
• 10Y*: 15.44%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BRK-B vs. FXAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BRK-B Berkshire Hathaway Inc.	-2.67%	10.89%	27.09%	15.46%	3.31%	28.95%	2.37%	10.93%	3.01%	21.62%
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	8.59%	17.84%	25.01%	26.29%	-18.14%	28.71%	18.42%	31.48%	-4.43%	21.82%

Correlation

The correlation between BRK-B and FXAIX is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.52
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 4, 2011	0.68

Over the past year, the correlation between BRK-B and FXAIX has dropped to 0.12 - well below their long-term average of 0.68, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

BRK-B vs. FXAIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BRK-B

BRK-B Risk / Return Rank: 39
BRK-B Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
BRK-B Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
BRK-B Omega Ratio Rank: 33
BRK-B Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
BRK-B Martin Ratio Rank: 42

FXAIX

FXAIX Risk / Return Rank: 73
FXAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
FXAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FXAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 69
FXAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FXAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BRK-B vs. FXAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) and Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BRK-B	FXAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.02	1.97	-1.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	2.67	-2.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.36	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.02	2.74	-2.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.05	12.46	-12.51

BRK-B vs. FXAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BRK-B Sharpe Ratio is -0.02, which is lower than the FXAIX Sharpe Ratio of 1.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BRK-B and FXAIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BRK-B vs. FXAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BRK-B drawdown since its inception was -53.86%, which is greater than FXAIX's maximum drawdown of -33.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BRK-B and FXAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	BRK-B	FXAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.86%	-33.79%	-20.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.42%	-8.89%	-0.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-18.76%	+3.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.58%	-24.50%	-2.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-29.57%	-33.79%	+4.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.36%	-2.79%	-6.57%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.07%	-3.79%	-7.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.53%	1.95%	+2.58%

Volatility

BRK-B vs. FXAIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-B) is 3.95%, while Fidelity 500 Index Fund (FXAIX) has a volatility of 4.44%. This indicates that BRK-B experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FXAIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BRK-B	FXAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.95%	4.44%	-0.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.78%	9.70%	+1.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.38%	12.37%	+2.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.12%	16.99%	+0.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.44%	18.10%	+1.34%

Dividends

BRK-B vs. FXAIX - Dividend Comparison

BRK-B has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FXAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.06%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BRK-B Berkshire Hathaway Inc.	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FXAIX Fidelity 500 Index Fund	1.06%	1.11%	1.25%	1.45%	1.69%	1.22%	1.60%	2.06%	2.72%	1.97%	2.52%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BRK-B and FXAIX in my portfolio?

BRK-B and FXAIX have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BRK-B or FXAIX?

FXAIX has higher volatility (4.44%) compared to BRK-B (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BRK-B dropped -53.86% vs FXAIX's -33.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXAIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.97 vs -0.02), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.