FDFAX vs. ISCF

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

FDFAX (Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio) and ISCF (iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF) are both funds - FDFAX is a Consumer Staples Equities fund managed by Fidelity, while ISCF is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI World exUSA SmallCap Diversified Multi-Factor. Over the past 10 years, FDFAX returned 6.39%/yr vs 9.53%/yr for ISCF. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FDFAX charges 0.73%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for ISCF.

Performance

FDFAX vs. ISCF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio (FDFAX) and iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDFAX achieves a 11.98% return, which is significantly higher than ISCF's 7.55% return. Over the past 10 years, FDFAX has underperformed ISCF with an annualized return of 6.39%, while ISCF has yielded a comparatively higher 9.53% annualized return.

FDFAX

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 1.92%
• YTD: 11.98%
• 6M: 9.68%
• 1Y: 12.20%
• 3Y*: 5.96%
• 5Y*: 4.85%
• 10Y*: 6.39%

ISCF

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 7.55%
• 6M: 9.41%
• 1Y: 20.99%
• 3Y*: 16.69%
• 5Y*: 7.29%
• 10Y*: 9.53%

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

FDFAX vs. ISCF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDFAX Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio	11.98%	-1.31%	5.58%	3.02%	-0.44%	14.43%	11.60%	31.79%	-15.91%	12.15%
ISCF iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	7.55%	33.65%	4.75%	11.50%	-15.07%	13.31%	7.65%	26.32%	-18.76%	38.13%

Correlation

The correlation between FDFAX and ISCF is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.31
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2015	0.46

Over the past year, the correlation between FDFAX and ISCF has dropped to 0.23 - well below their long-term average of 0.46, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FDFAX vs. ISCF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDFAX	ISCF
Consumer Defensive	96.4%	3.9%
Industrials	2.7%	23.8%
Consumer Cyclical	0.9%	12.4%
Basic Materials	-	11.5%
Communication Services	-	3.7%
Energy	-	4.6%
Financial Services	-	12.1%
Healthcare	-	5.3%
Real Estate	-	8.5%
Technology	-	10.7%
Utilities	-	3.5%

Return for Risk

FDFAX vs. ISCF — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDFAX

FDFAX Risk / Return Rank: 15
FDFAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
FDFAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
FDFAX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
FDFAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 19
FDFAX Martin Ratio Rank: 11

ISCF

ISCF Risk / Return Rank: 41
ISCF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
ISCF Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
ISCF Omega Ratio Rank: 41
ISCF Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
ISCF Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

FDFAX vs. ISCF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio (FDFAX) and iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF). 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.

	FDFAX	ISCF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.83	1.31	-0.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.27	1.89	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.24	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.23	1.72	-0.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.28	6.33	-4.06

FDFAX vs. ISCF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDFAX Sharpe Ratio is 0.83, which is lower than the ISCF Sharpe Ratio of 1.31. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDFAX and ISCF, 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

FDFAX vs. ISCF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDFAX drawdown since its inception was -38.29%, smaller than the maximum ISCF drawdown of -40.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDFAX and ISCF.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDFAX	ISCF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.29%	-40.79%	+2.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.18%	-11.34%	+2.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.03%	-13.85%	+0.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.63%	-30.70%	+15.07%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-27.66%	-40.79%	+13.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.83%	-2.40%	-0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.04%	-8.13%	+3.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.96%	3.08%	+1.88%

Volatility

FDFAX vs. ISCF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio (FDFAX) is 4.12%, while iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF (ISCF) has a volatility of 5.07%. This indicates that FDFAX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ISCF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDFAX	ISCF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	5.07%	-0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.78%	12.43%	-2.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.60%	14.87%	-1.27%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.83%	16.74%	-2.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.95%	17.43%	-2.48%

FDFAX vs. ISCF - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDFAX has a 0.73% expense ratio, which is higher than ISCF's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDFAX vs. ISCF - Dividend Comparison

FDFAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.83%, less than ISCF's 3.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDFAX Fidelity Select Consumer Staples Portfolio	2.83%	6.45%	8.49%	5.13%	3.34%	10.73%	3.16%	2.78%	14.36%	8.82%	4.71%	9.06%
ISCF iShares MSCI Intl Small-Cap Multifactor ETF	3.49%	3.76%	4.29%	3.94%	2.73%	3.93%	2.30%	2.87%	2.14%	1.97%	2.89%	1.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDFAX and ISCF in my portfolio?

FDFAX and ISCF have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDFAX or ISCF?

ISCF has higher volatility (5.07%) compared to FDFAX (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDFAX dropped -38.29% vs ISCF's -40.79%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISCF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.31 vs 0.83), 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.