FAFDX vs. VFAIX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FAFDX (Fidelity Advisor Financial Services Fund Class A) and VFAIX (Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both Financials Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FAFDX returned 14.40%/yr vs 13.53%/yr for VFAIX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FAFDX charges 1.03%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VFAIX.

Performance

FAFDX vs. VFAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Advisor Financial Services Fund Class A (FAFDX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAFDX achieves a 2.79% return, which is significantly higher than VFAIX's -0.70% return. Over the past 10 years, FAFDX has outperformed VFAIX with an annualized return of 14.40%, while VFAIX has yielded a comparatively lower 13.53% annualized return.

FAFDX

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 4.34%
• YTD: 2.79%
• 6M: 1.20%
• 1Y: 13.08%
• 3Y*: 25.86%
• 5Y*: 12.78%
• 10Y*: 14.40%

VFAIX

• 1D: 0.52%
• 1M: 3.73%
• YTD: -0.70%
• 6M: -2.07%
• 1Y: 8.46%
• 3Y*: 20.82%
• 5Y*: 10.43%
• 10Y*: 13.53%

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

FAFDX vs. VFAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAFDX Fidelity Advisor Financial Services Fund Class A	2.79%	14.91%	39.01%	14.03%	-8.93%	32.90%	-0.25%	33.77%	-16.09%	20.17%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	-0.70%	14.90%	30.46%	14.07%	-12.26%	36.27%	-2.15%	31.63%	-13.47%	20.05%

Correlation

The correlation between FAFDX and VFAIX is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 2, 2004	0.98

The correlation between FAFDX and VFAIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FAFDX vs. VFAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAFDX

FAFDX Risk / Return Rank: 13
FAFDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 13
FAFDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
FAFDX Omega Ratio Rank: 13
FAFDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
FAFDX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VFAIX

VFAIX Risk / Return Rank: 8
VFAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VFAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VFAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VFAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
VFAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

FAFDX vs. VFAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Advisor Financial Services Fund Class A (FAFDX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX). 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.

	FAFDX	VFAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.93	0.66	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.34	0.98	+0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.12	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.15	0.67	+0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.24	1.74	+1.51

FAFDX vs. VFAIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAFDX Sharpe Ratio is 0.93, which is higher than the VFAIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAFDX and VFAIX, 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

FAFDX vs. VFAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAFDX drawdown since its inception was -75.69%, roughly equal to the maximum VFAIX drawdown of -78.64%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAFDX and VFAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAFDX	VFAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.69%	-78.64%	+2.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.04%	-14.72%	+1.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.41%	-17.31%	-2.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.14%	-25.71%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.99%	-44.37%	-1.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.46%	-3.73%	+3.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.63%	-18.57%	+0.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.59%	5.66%	-1.07%

Volatility

FAFDX vs. VFAIX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Advisor Financial Services Fund Class A (FAFDX) and Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFAIX) have volatilities of 4.39% and 4.21%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FAFDX	VFAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.39%	4.21%	+0.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.20%	11.38%	+0.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.09%	14.96%	+1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.03%	19.29%	+1.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.88%	22.62%	+1.26%

FAFDX vs. VFAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAFDX has a 1.03% expense ratio, which is higher than VFAIX's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAFDX vs. VFAIX - Dividend Comparison

FAFDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.74%, more than VFAIX's 1.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAFDX Fidelity Advisor Financial Services Fund Class A	6.74%	6.93%	9.59%	2.29%	5.93%	4.21%	2.47%	1.21%	4.00%	0.06%	0.21%	0.53%
VFAIX Vanguard Financials Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.47%	1.56%	1.75%	2.08%	2.31%	2.62%	2.21%	2.17%	2.30%	1.54%	1.64%	2.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAFDX and VFAIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, FAFDX and VFAIX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FAFDX or VFAIX?

FAFDX has higher volatility (4.39%) compared to VFAIX (4.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAFDX dropped -75.69% vs VFAIX's -78.64%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAFDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.93 vs 0.66), 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.