FCLSX vs. FDFIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FCLSX (Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2040 Fund) and FDFIX (Fidelity Flex 500 Index Fund) are both mutual funds - FCLSX is a Target Retirement Date fund managed by Fidelity, while FDFIX is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Fidelity U.S. Large Cap Index. Over the past 5 years, FCLSX returned 11.29%/yr vs 14.02%/yr for FDFIX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.00% expense ratio.

Performance

FCLSX vs. FDFIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2040 Fund (FCLSX) and Fidelity Flex 500 Index Fund (FDFIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FCLSX achieves a 13.08% return, which is significantly higher than FDFIX's 10.05% return.

FCLSX

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: 2.85%
• YTD: 13.08%
• 6M: 13.09%
• 1Y: 28.77%
• 3Y*: 20.09%
• 5Y*: 11.29%
• 10Y*: —

FDFIX

• 1D: 1.14%
• 1M: 0.69%
• YTD: 10.05%
• 6M: 9.52%
• 1Y: 26.74%
• 3Y*: 20.85%
• 5Y*: 14.02%
• 10Y*: —

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

FCLSX vs. FDFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FCLSX Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2040 Fund	13.08%	21.45%	18.16%	20.51%	-17.74%	16.91%	18.37%	25.92%	-8.31%	10.11%
FDFIX Fidelity Flex 500 Index Fund	10.05%	17.59%	25.06%	26.27%	-18.10%	28.69%	18.46%	31.47%	-4.45%	10.43%

Correlation

The correlation between FCLSX and FDFIX is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2017	0.93

The correlation between FCLSX and FDFIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FCLSX vs. FDFIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCLSX

FCLSX Risk / Return Rank: 77
FCLSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
FCLSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
FCLSX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
FCLSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
FCLSX Martin Ratio Rank: 83

FDFIX

FDFIX Risk / Return Rank: 63
FDFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
FDFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FDFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
FDFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

FCLSX vs. FDFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2040 Fund (FCLSX) and Fidelity Flex 500 Index Fund (FDFIX). 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.

	FCLSX	FDFIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.36	2.12	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.24	2.86	+0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.38	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.33	2.97	+0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.32	13.11	+1.20

FCLSX vs. FDFIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCLSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.36, which is comparable to the FDFIX Sharpe Ratio of 2.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCLSX and FDFIX, 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

FCLSX vs. FDFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCLSX drawdown since its inception was -31.26%, smaller than the maximum FDFIX drawdown of -33.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCLSX and FDFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCLSX	FDFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.26%	-33.77%	+2.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.60%	-8.99%	+0.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.16%	-18.76%	+4.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.30%	-24.51%	-2.79%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-1.33%	+1.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.29%	-4.56%	-0.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	2.03%	-0.04%

Volatility

FCLSX vs. FDFIX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2040 Fund (FCLSX) and Fidelity Flex 500 Index Fund (FDFIX) have volatilities of 5.11% and 4.90%, 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

	FCLSX	FDFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.11%	4.90%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.27%	10.00%	+0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.16%	12.61%	-0.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.65%	17.05%	-2.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.78%	18.60%	-2.82%

FCLSX vs. FDFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCLSX has a 0.00% expense ratio, which is lower than FDFIX's 0.00% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FCLSX vs. FDFIX - Dividend Comparison

FCLSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.75%, more than FDFIX's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FCLSX Fidelity Flex Freedom Blend 2040 Fund	7.75%	4.92%	9.06%	2.19%	6.31%	7.13%	5.73%	6.99%	8.18%	3.09%
FDFIX Fidelity Flex 500 Index Fund	1.04%	1.11%	1.26%	1.48%	1.70%	1.27%	1.52%	1.78%	2.16%	0.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCLSX and FDFIX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, FCLSX and FDFIX 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, FCLSX or FDFIX?

FCLSX has higher volatility (5.11%) compared to FDFIX (4.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCLSX dropped -31.26% vs FDFIX's -33.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FCLSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.36 vs 2.12), 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.