FDGRX vs. VSS

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

FDGRX (Fidelity Growth Company Fund) and VSS (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF) are both funds - FDGRX is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity, while VSS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global Small Cap ex US Index. FDGRX is actively managed, while VSS is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FDGRX returned 23.23%/yr vs 8.40%/yr for VSS. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FDGRX charges 0.52%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VSS.

Performance

FDGRX vs. VSS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Growth Company Fund (FDGRX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FDGRX achieves a 22.31% return, which is significantly higher than VSS's 10.11% return. Over the past 10 years, FDGRX has outperformed VSS with an annualized return of 23.23%, while VSS has yielded a comparatively lower 8.40% annualized return.

FDGRX

• 1D: -1.17%
• 1M: 3.47%
• YTD: 22.31%
• 6M: 20.57%
• 1Y: 46.04%
• 3Y*: 29.83%
• 5Y*: 16.15%
• 10Y*: 23.23%

VSS

• 1D: -0.84%
• 1M: -0.16%
• YTD: 10.11%
• 6M: 12.92%
• 1Y: 25.39%
• 3Y*: 15.47%
• 5Y*: 6.35%
• 10Y*: 8.40%

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

FDGRX vs. VSS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FDGRX Fidelity Growth Company Fund	22.31%	18.54%	37.18%	47.25%	-33.86%	22.57%	67.42%	38.40%	-4.14%	36.76%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	10.11%	29.61%	2.94%	15.52%	-21.48%	13.05%	11.81%	21.36%	-18.48%	30.61%

Correlation

The correlation between FDGRX and VSS is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2009	0.72

The correlation between FDGRX and VSS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.62 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

FDGRX vs. VSS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDGRX	VSS
Technology	53.5%	13.9%
Communication Services	14.1%	2.0%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	7.3%
Healthcare	11.3%	4.3%
Financial Services	3.0%	14.2%
Industrials	2.7%	19.9%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	2.7%
Basic Materials	0.6%	16.0%
Energy	0.5%	8.4%
Real Estate	0.2%	7.2%
Utilities	-	3.6%

Return for Risk

FDGRX vs. VSS — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDGRX

FDGRX Risk / Return Rank: 68
FDGRX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
FDGRX Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
FDGRX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FDGRX Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
FDGRX Martin Ratio Rank: 73

VSS

VSS Risk / Return Rank: 49
VSS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VSS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
VSS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VSS Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
VSS Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

FDGRX vs. VSS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Growth Company Fund (FDGRX) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS). 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.

	FDGRX	VSS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.34	1.64	+0.70
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.90	2.26	+0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.30	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.60	2.20	+1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.24	8.22	+5.02

FDGRX vs. VSS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDGRX Sharpe Ratio is 2.34, which is higher than the VSS Sharpe Ratio of 1.64. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDGRX and VSS, 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

FDGRX vs. VSS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDGRX drawdown since its inception was -71.62%, which is greater than VSS's maximum drawdown of -43.51%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDGRX and VSS.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDGRX	VSS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.62%	-43.51%	-28.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.60%	-11.62%	-0.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.19%	-15.73%	-10.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.25%	-33.93%	-6.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.25%	-43.51%	+3.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.17%	-2.99%	+1.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.89%	-9.63%	-6.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.42%	3.10%	+0.32%

Volatility

FDGRX vs. VSS - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity Growth Company Fund (FDGRX) has a higher volatility of 7.29% compared to Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) at 6.34%. This indicates that FDGRX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VSS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDGRX	VSS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.29%	6.34%	+0.95%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.82%	13.63%	+2.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.47%	15.62%	+3.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.09%	16.61%	+7.48%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.47%	17.30%	+6.17%

FDGRX vs. VSS - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDGRX has a 0.52% expense ratio, which is higher than VSS's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDGRX vs. VSS - Dividend Comparison

FDGRX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VSS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDGRX Fidelity Growth Company Fund	0.00%	0.00%	8.86%	3.83%	7.20%	10.67%	8.86%	3.84%	6.38%	4.73%	6.16%	3.92%
VSS Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF	3.08%	3.39%	3.44%	3.14%	2.30%	2.74%	1.90%	3.25%	2.80%	2.83%	2.93%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDGRX and VSS in my portfolio?

FDGRX and VSS have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDGRX or VSS?

FDGRX has higher volatility (7.29%) compared to VSS (6.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDGRX dropped -71.62% vs VSS's -43.51%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDGRX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.34 vs 1.64), 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.