FDCAX vs. VFIAX

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

FDCAX (Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund) and VFIAX (Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - FDCAX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund managed by Fidelity, while VFIAX is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, FDCAX returned 16.46%/yr vs 15.48%/yr for VFIAX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDCAX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VFIAX.

Performance

FDCAX vs. VFIAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund (FDCAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDCAX achieves a 13.69% return, which is significantly higher than VFIAX's 9.13% return. Over the past 10 years, FDCAX has outperformed VFIAX with an annualized return of 16.46%, while VFIAX has yielded a comparatively lower 15.48% annualized return.

FDCAX

• 1D: 0.63%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 13.69%
• 6M: 14.94%
• 1Y: 30.96%
• 3Y*: 23.04%
• 5Y*: 13.42%
• 10Y*: 16.46%

VFIAX

• 1D: 0.51%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 9.13%
• 6M: 9.63%
• 1Y: 25.78%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 13.41%
• 10Y*: 15.48%

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

FDCAX vs. VFIAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDCAX Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund	13.69%	18.05%	25.11%	28.81%	-21.23%	23.85%	33.92%	30.15%	-5.23%	22.83%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	9.13%	17.83%	24.97%	26.24%	-18.16%	28.65%	18.32%	31.46%	-4.45%	21.78%

Correlation

The correlation between FDCAX and VFIAX 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	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 13, 2000	0.93

The correlation between FDCAX and VFIAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDCAX vs. VFIAX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDCAX	VFIAX
Technology	30.6%	35.7%
Consumer Cyclical	13.1%	10.2%
Communication Services	11.7%	11.3%
Financial Services	10.9%	11.6%
Industrials	10.5%	8.3%
Energy	7.3%	3.5%
Consumer Defensive	5.2%	4.9%
Healthcare	4.4%	8.5%
Basic Materials	3.9%	1.8%
Real Estate	1.5%	1.9%
Utilities	1.0%	2.4%

Return for Risk

FDCAX vs. VFIAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDCAX

FDCAX Risk / Return Rank: 57
FDCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
FDCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
FDCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 53
FDCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
FDCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 66

VFIAX

VFIAX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VFIAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
VFIAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VFIAX Omega Ratio Rank: 60
VFIAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VFIAX Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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.

FDCAX vs. VFIAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund (FDCAX) and Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX). 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.

	FDCAX	VFIAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	1.98	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.51	2.69	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.36	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.65	2.75	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.07	12.49	-1.42

FDCAX vs. VFIAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDCAX Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the VFIAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDCAX and VFIAX, 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

FDCAX vs. VFIAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDCAX drawdown since its inception was -58.53%, which is greater than VFIAX's maximum drawdown of -55.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDCAX and VFIAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDCAX	VFIAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.53%	-55.20%	-3.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.06%	-8.90%	-2.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.68%	-18.75%	-10.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.68%	-24.53%	-5.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.06%	-33.83%	+0.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.80%	-2.29%	-0.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.90%	-9.39%	-0.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	1.96%	+0.68%

Volatility

FDCAX vs. VFIAX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund (FDCAX) has a higher volatility of 6.35% compared to Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares (VFIAX) at 4.42%. This indicates that FDCAX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VFIAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDCAX	VFIAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.35%	4.42%	+1.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.44%	9.69%	+2.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	12.37%	+3.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.03%	16.97%	+4.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.65%	18.09%	+2.56%

FDCAX vs. VFIAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDCAX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than VFIAX's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDCAX vs. VFIAX - Dividend Comparison

FDCAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.00%, more than VFIAX's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDCAX Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund	7.00%	7.96%	18.33%	3.33%	9.32%	16.76%	8.38%	13.50%	13.29%	10.43%	5.62%	12.38%
VFIAX Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Shares	1.04%	1.12%	1.24%	1.45%	1.68%	1.24%	1.53%	1.87%	2.05%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDCAX and VFIAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, FDCAX and VFIAX 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, FDCAX or VFIAX?

FDCAX has higher volatility (6.35%) compared to VFIAX (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDCAX dropped -58.53% vs VFIAX's -55.20%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VFIAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.90), 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.