FDGFX vs. VSTSX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FDGFX (Fidelity Dividend Growth Fund) and VSTSX (Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares) are both Large Cap Blend Equities funds. Over the past 5 years, FDGFX returned 16.25%/yr vs 12.39%/yr for VSTSX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FDGFX charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.01%/yr for VSTSX.

Performance

FDGFX vs. VSTSX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Dividend Growth Fund (FDGFX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VSTSX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDGFX achieves a 17.96% return, which is significantly higher than VSTSX's 10.35% return.

FDGFX

• 1D: -0.48%
• 1M: 2.77%
• YTD: 17.96%
• 6M: 17.07%
• 1Y: 38.96%
• 3Y*: 27.31%
• 5Y*: 16.25%
• 10Y*: 14.60%

VSTSX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 0.56%
• YTD: 10.35%
• 6M: 9.21%
• 1Y: 25.97%
• 3Y*: 21.21%
• 5Y*: 12.39%
• 10Y*: —

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

FDGFX vs. VSTSX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDGFX Fidelity Dividend Growth Fund	17.96%	22.48%	27.58%	17.86%	-11.61%	27.96%	2.20%	28.75%	-7.23%	18.05%
VSTSX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares	10.35%	17.16%	23.27%	26.54%	-19.49%	25.75%	21.02%	30.81%	-5.15%	20.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FDGFX and VSTSX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2017	0.92

The correlation between FDGFX and VSTSX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FDGFX vs. VSTSX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDGFX

FDGFX Risk / Return Rank: 86
FDGFX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
FDGFX Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
FDGFX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FDGFX Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
FDGFX Martin Ratio Rank: 92

VSTSX

VSTSX Risk / Return Rank: 65
VSTSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VSTSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VSTSX Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VSTSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VSTSX Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

FDGFX vs. VSTSX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Dividend Growth Fund (FDGFX) and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VSTSX). 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.

	FDGFX	VSTSX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.76	2.13	+0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.63	2.89	+0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.38	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.93	3.06	+0.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.27	13.70	+3.57

FDGFX vs. VSTSX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDGFX Sharpe Ratio is 2.76, which is comparable to the VSTSX Sharpe Ratio of 2.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDGFX and VSTSX, 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

FDGFX vs. VSTSX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDGFX drawdown since its inception was -60.77%, which is greater than VSTSX's maximum drawdown of -34.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDGFX and VSTSX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDGFX	VSTSX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.77%	-34.97%	-25.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.16%	-8.92%	-1.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.37%	-19.36%	-2.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.37%	-25.35%	+3.98%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.29%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.48%	-1.47%	+0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.51%	-4.88%	-2.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.31%	1.99%	+0.32%

Volatility

FDGFX vs. VSTSX - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Dividend Growth Fund (FDGFX) has a higher volatility of 6.05% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares (VSTSX) at 4.77%. This indicates that FDGFX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSTSX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDGFX	VSTSX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.05%	4.77%	+1.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.72%	10.05%	+1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.51%	12.83%	+1.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.74%	17.45%	-0.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.29%	18.76%	+0.53%

FDGFX vs. VSTSX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDGFX has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than VSTSX's 0.01% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDGFX vs. VSTSX - Dividend Comparison

FDGFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.09%, more than VSTSX's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDGFX Fidelity Dividend Growth Fund	8.09%	9.35%	9.81%	3.48%	11.46%	7.81%	1.89%	4.84%	22.93%	15.35%	1.58%	8.44%
VSTSX Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Institutional Select Shares	1.04%	1.13%	1.27%	1.43%	1.67%	1.23%	1.44%	1.79%	2.07%	1.74%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDGFX and VSTSX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, FDGFX and VSTSX 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, FDGFX or VSTSX?

FDGFX has higher volatility (6.05%) compared to VSTSX (4.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDGFX dropped -60.77% vs VSTSX's -34.97%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDGFX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.76 vs 2.13), 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.