FDCAX vs. VUG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FDCAX (Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund) and VUG (Vanguard Growth ETF) are both Large Cap Growth Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, FDCAX returned 17.09%/yr vs 18.02%/yr for VUG. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDCAX charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VUG.

Performance

FDCAX vs. VUG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDCAX achieves a 16.62% return, which is significantly higher than VUG's 3.52% return. Over the past 10 years, FDCAX has underperformed VUG with an annualized return of 17.09%, while VUG has yielded a comparatively higher 18.02% annualized return.

FDCAX

• 1D: -0.96%
• 1M: 2.67%
• YTD: 16.62%
• 6M: 15.64%
• 1Y: 33.37%
• 3Y*: 24.36%
• 5Y*: 13.95%
• 10Y*: 17.09%

VUG

• 1D: -2.12%
• 1M: -3.95%
• YTD: 3.52%
• 6M: 2.23%
• 1Y: 20.05%
• 3Y*: 22.74%
• 5Y*: 12.80%
• 10Y*: 18.02%

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

FDCAX vs. VUG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDCAX Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund	16.62%	18.05%	25.11%	28.81%	-21.23%	23.85%	33.92%	30.15%	-5.23%	22.83%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	3.52%	19.40%	32.69%	46.83%	-33.16%	27.35%	40.25%	37.03%	-3.32%	27.72%

Correlation

The correlation between FDCAX and VUG is 0.90, 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	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.93

The correlation between FDCAX and VUG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDCAX vs. VUG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDCAX	VUG
Technology	30.6%	53.5%
Consumer Cyclical	13.1%	12.2%
Communication Services	11.7%	17.3%
Financial Services	10.9%	4.3%
Industrials	10.5%	3.6%
Energy	7.3%	0.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.2%	1.5%
Healthcare	4.4%	4.6%
Basic Materials	3.9%	0.6%
Real Estate	1.5%	1.0%
Utilities	1.0%	0.9%

Return for Risk

FDCAX vs. VUG — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDCAX

FDCAX Risk / Return Rank: 66
FDCAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
FDCAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
FDCAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDCAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FDCAX Martin Ratio Rank: 74

VUG

VUG Risk / Return Rank: 31
VUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
VUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VUG Omega Ratio Rank: 33
VUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
VUG Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. VUG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund (FDCAX) 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.

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	VUG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.22	1.19	+1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	1.67	+1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.21	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.14	1.22	+1.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.14	4.15	+8.99

FDCAX vs. VUG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDCAX Sharpe Ratio is 2.22, which is higher than the VUG Sharpe Ratio of 1.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDCAX 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.

Drawdowns

FDCAX vs. VUG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDCAX drawdown since its inception was -58.53%, which is greater than VUG's maximum drawdown of -50.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDCAX and VUG.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDCAX	VUG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.53%	-50.68%	-7.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.06%	-16.53%	+5.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.68%	-22.85%	-6.83%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.68%	-35.61%	+5.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.06%	-35.61%	+2.55%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.96%	-6.88%	+5.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.90%	-7.09%	-2.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	4.84%	-2.20%

Volatility

FDCAX vs. VUG - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund (FDCAX) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) have volatilities of 6.86% and 6.86%, 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

	FDCAX	VUG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.86%	6.86%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.71%	13.44%	-0.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.70%	16.91%	-1.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.10%	22.39%	-1.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.69%	21.51%	-0.82%

FDCAX vs. VUG - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDCAX has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than VUG's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDCAX vs. VUG - Dividend Comparison

FDCAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.83%, more than VUG's 0.39% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDCAX Fidelity Capital Appreciation Fund	6.83%	7.96%	18.33%	3.33%	9.32%	16.76%	8.38%	13.50%	13.29%	10.43%	5.62%	12.38%
VUG Vanguard Growth ETF	0.39%	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 FDCAX and VUG in my portfolio?

FDCAX and VUG have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDCAX or VUG?

VUG has higher volatility (6.86%) compared to FDCAX (6.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDCAX dropped -58.53% vs VUG's -50.68%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDCAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs 1.19), 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.