FCTGX vs. VISGX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FCTGX (Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Growth Fund Class M) and VISGX (Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund) are both Small Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FCTGX returned 14.11%/yr vs 11.70%/yr for VISGX. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FCTGX charges 1.54%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for VISGX.

Performance

FCTGX vs. VISGX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Growth Fund Class M (FCTGX) and Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX). 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 FCTGX having a 18.31% return and VISGX slightly higher at 18.67%. Over the past 10 years, FCTGX has outperformed VISGX with an annualized return of 14.11%, while VISGX has yielded a comparatively lower 11.70% annualized return.

FCTGX

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 4.14%
• YTD: 18.31%
• 6M: 16.29%
• 1Y: 37.22%
• 3Y*: 20.17%
• 5Y*: 7.78%
• 10Y*: 14.11%

VISGX

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 6.05%
• YTD: 18.67%
• 6M: 18.08%
• 1Y: 33.96%
• 3Y*: 17.94%
• 5Y*: 5.96%
• 10Y*: 11.70%

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

FCTGX vs. VISGX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FCTGX Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Growth Fund Class M	18.31%	10.58%	19.92%	18.39%	-25.72%	9.89%	35.65%	35.62%	-5.10%	28.28%
VISGX Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund	18.67%	8.18%	14.80%	22.91%	-28.50%	5.58%	35.11%	32.60%	-5.81%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between FCTGX and VISGX is 0.95 - 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	0.95
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	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 5, 2004	0.97

The correlation between FCTGX and VISGX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FCTGX vs. VISGX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FCTGX

FCTGX Risk / Return Rank: 46
FCTGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
FCTGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FCTGX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
FCTGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
FCTGX Martin Ratio Rank: 60

VISGX

VISGX Risk / Return Rank: 48
VISGX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VISGX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
VISGX Omega Ratio Rank: 35
VISGX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VISGX Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

FCTGX vs. VISGX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Growth Fund Class M (FCTGX) and Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX). 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.

	FCTGX	VISGX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	1.85	+0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	2.55	-0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.31	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	3.16	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.97	12.03	-0.06
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FCTGX vs. VISGX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FCTGX Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the VISGX Sharpe Ratio of 1.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FCTGX and VISGX, 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

	FCTGX	VISGX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.86	1.85	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33	0.25	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62	0.51	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.49	0.39	+0.10

Drawdowns

FCTGX vs. VISGX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FCTGX drawdown since its inception was -61.25%, roughly equal to the maximum VISGX drawdown of -58.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FCTGX and VISGX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FCTGX	VISGX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-61.25%	-58.74%	-2.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.22%	-11.39%	-1.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.84%	-27.58%	-1.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.21%	-38.41%	-0.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.21%	-38.70%	-0.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.39%	0.00%	-0.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.60%	-11.61%	+0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.28%	2.98%	+0.30%

Volatility

FCTGX vs. VISGX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Growth Fund Class M (FCTGX) has a higher volatility of 6.47% compared to Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund (VISGX) at 5.28%. This indicates that FCTGX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VISGX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FCTGX	VISGX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.47%	5.28%	+1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.32%	14.84%	+1.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.18%	19.45%	+1.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.47%	23.56%	-0.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.85%	22.99%	-0.14%

FCTGX vs. VISGX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FCTGX has a 1.54% expense ratio, which is higher than VISGX's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

FCTGX vs. VISGX - Dividend Comparison

FCTGX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.29%, more than VISGX's 0.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FCTGX Fidelity Advisor Small Cap Growth Fund Class M	6.29%	7.44%	1.07%	0.00%	0.00%	21.26%	8.90%	5.81%	15.13%	7.17%	0.81%	4.23%
VISGX Vanguard Small Cap Growth Index Fund	0.34%	0.33%	0.42%	0.56%	0.46%	0.23%	0.35%	0.47%	0.65%	0.71%	0.97%	0.84%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FCTGX and VISGX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FCTGX and VISGX 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, FCTGX or VISGX?

FCTGX has higher volatility (6.47%) compared to VISGX (5.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FCTGX dropped -61.25% vs VISGX's -58.74%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FCTGX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.85), 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.