FCNKX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

FCNKX (Fidelity Contrafund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. FCNKX is actively managed, while VUG is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FCNKX returned 17.65%/yr vs 17.95%/yr for VUG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FCNKX charges 0.74%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

FCNKX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Contrafund (FCNKX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FCNKX having a 6.04% return and VUG slightly higher at 6.14%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FCNKX having a 17.65% annualized return and VUG not far ahead at 17.95%.

FCNKX

• 1D: -3.00%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 6.04%
• 6M: 6.26%
• 1Y: 19.89%
• 3Y*: 26.51%
• 5Y*: 14.96%
• 10Y*: 17.65%

VUG

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: -0.73%
• YTD: 6.14%
• 6M: 5.11%
• 1Y: 23.11%
• 3Y*: 24.71%
• 5Y*: 14.33%
• 10Y*: 17.95%

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

FCNKX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FCNKX Fidelity Contrafund	6.04%	21.88%	36.08%	39.50%	-27.44%	24.66%	32.50%	30.18%	-2.27%	32.20%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	6.14%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between FCNKX and VUG is 0.89, 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	0.89
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 16, 2008	0.96

The correlation between FCNKX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FCNKX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCNKX

FCNKX Risk / Return Rank: 31
FCNKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
FCNKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
FCNKX Omega Ratio Rank: 29
FCNKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
FCNKX Martin Ratio Rank: 38

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 40
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 44
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

FCNKX vs. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Contrafund (FCNKX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG). 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.

	FCNKX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	1.43	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.07	1.95	+0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.25	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.90	1.40	+0.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.03	4.90	+3.14
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FCNKX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCNKX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is comparable to the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCNKX and VUG, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FCNKX	VUG	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	1.43	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.65	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90	0.84	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.66	0.61	+0.05

Drawdowns

FCNKX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCNKX drawdown since its inception was -46.44%, smaller than the maximum VUG drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCNKX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCNKX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.44%	-50.68%	+4.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.29%	-16.53%	+5.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.73%	-22.85%	+3.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.77%	-35.61%	+3.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.77%	-35.61%	+3.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.00%	-4.52%	+1.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.30%	-7.09%	-0.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	4.73%	-2.07%

Volatility

FCNKX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Contrafund (FCNKX) is 4.35%, while Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) has a volatility of 5.17%. This indicates that FCNKX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VUG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FCNKX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.35%	5.17%	-0.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.95%	12.68%	-1.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.37%	16.25%	-1.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.16%	22.28%	-3.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.67%	21.48%	-1.81%

FCNKX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCNKX has a 0.74% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCNKX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

FCNKX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.38%, more than VUG's 0.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCNKX Fidelity Contrafund	4.38%	5.18%	4.28%	4.31%	13.69%	10.77%	8.00%	4.15%	9.14%	6.09%	3.92%	4.47%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.38%	0.41%	0.47%	0.58%	0.70%	0.48%	0.66%	0.95%	1.32%	1.14%	1.39%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCNKX and VUG in my portfolio?

FCNKX and VUG have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FCNKX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to FCNKX (4.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCNKX dropped -46.44% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FCNKX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.43), 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.